Name: Strays
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Released: 2023-08-17T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Will Forte

The opening scene of Strays (2023) is a brutal gut punch: Reggie, voiced with manic energy by Will Ferrell, watches in confusion as his owner Doug, played with delightful sleaziness by Will Forte, abandons him on the street. This moment sets the tone for Josh Greenbaum’s raunchy comedy, which blends crude humor with surprisingly sharp social commentary.

Strays follows Reggie as he navigates life on the streets, falling in with a group of strays led by the foul-mouthed Bug (Jamie Foxx). The film’s strength lies in its unapologetic embrace of bad taste. Scenes like Reggie and Bug’s drug-fueled escapades are outrageously funny, with Ferrell and Foxx feeding off each other’s comedic timing. Isla Fisher also shines as Maggie, a street-smart dog with a heart of gold, adding a layer of emotional depth to the chaotic humor.

The film’s scattershot humor is partly offset by its surprisingly big heart. Reggie’s journey from naive pet to streetwise stray is more poignant than expected, especially in scenes where he grapples with the reality of his toxic relationship with Doug. The voice cast delivers consistently strong performances, with Randall Park as Hunter and Josh Gad as Gus adding to the ensemble’s chemistry.

However, Strays stumbles in its pacing and structural choices. The film’s attempt to balance comedy with a more serious revenge plot feels uneven at times. Some jokes fall flat, and the transition between hilarious antics and dramatic moments can be jarring. Additionally, the film’s messaging about toxic relationships and finding one’s independence gets somewhat muddled in its pursuit of laughs.

Despite these flaws, Strays is a brutally funny comedy that doesn’t shy away from its crude humor. It’s more amusing than hilarious, but its heartfelt moments and strong performances make it worth watching.