Woof! ‘Strays’ Makes a Mess It Can’t Fairly Clear Up

# “Strays”: A Canine Comedy Caper That Bites Off More Than It Can Chew In the surprisingly diverse landscape of dog-themed cinema, “Strays” emerges as the rebellious teenager of the family – remarkably effective at shocking audiences but notably less successful at delivering a coherent story. For those who’ve spent countless evenings with heartwarming tales like “Homeward Bound” while secretly wondering what these furry protagonists might say if they could truly speak their minds, August 18 marks the arrival of your peculiarly specific cinematic wish fulfillment. Over the past decade, Hollywood has increasingly blurred the lines between childhood innocence and adult humor, creating a curious niche that “Strays” enthusiastically inhabits alongside predecessors like “Ted” and “Sausage Party. ” By collaborating with voice talent powerhouses Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, director Josh Greenbaum has crafted an experience that’s essentially a traditional “lost pet finds way home” narrative, but one that’s been dunked in a vat of tequila, rolled in profanity, and set loose in an unsuspecting world. The film introduces us to Doug, voiced with particularly innovative sleaziness by Will Forte – a character so morally bankrupt that school zones maintain restraining orders against him. His relationship with Reggie, his naively loyal canine companion voiced by Will Ferrell, transcends mere negligence, transforming into active psychological warfare where abandonment becomes Doug’s weapon of choice. Surprisingly affordable at the box office yet extremely reliable in delivering shock value, the film never shies away from language that would make a sailor reach for earmuffs. Reggie’s urban abandonment leads him into the paws of an exceptionally durable street dog named Bug (Jamie Foxx), who serves as his guide through the concrete jungle while delivering philosophies that are equal parts profound and profane. Their journey, joined by the incredibly versatile but underutilized Isla Fisher as Maggie and the consistently amusing Randall Park as the cone-wearing Hunter, spirals into a canine version of “The Hangover” that would leave even the most desensitized viewers clutching their pearls in disbelief. The quest for revenge against Doug transforms into a cross-country odyssey featuring significantly faster pacing than the plot deserves, highlighting the growing intersection between hilarious improvisation and scenes that overstay their welcome. In recent days, films with talking animals have evolved beyond family-friendly confines, but “Strays” pushes boundaries that perhaps weren’t begging to be pushed – from garden statuary violations to psychedelic mushroom trips that give new meaning to the term “high dog. ” What separates this film from being merely a parade of canine crudeness is the pedigree of its creative team. Josh Greenbaum, fresh from the cult success of “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, ” teams up with Dan Perrault of “American Vandal” fame, streamlining operations and freeing up human talent to focus on occasional moments of genuine wit. Their collaboration delivers some truly inspired sequences – a Miley Cyrus soundtrack moment stands as particularly innovative among the chaos. For medium-sized budget comedies with outsized ambitions, balancing shock value with emotional resonance remains an elusive goal. “Strays” attempts this highwire act with mixed results, transforming industries by automating workflows of traditional dog movies while stumbling when it attempts to deliver heart in its final act. The film’s 90-minute runtime feels simultaneously too long for its thin premise yet too short to justify its sudden emotional turn – like a hyperactive puppy that can’t decide whether to bite your ankles or curl up in your lap. Despite its shortcomings, there’s something oddly endearing about the film’s commitment to its bizarre vision. It’s like finding an unexpectedly valuable trinket while dumpster diving – the experience itself might be questionable, but the occasional treasures can make it worthwhile for the right audience. “Strays” earns its C- grade honestly, neither failing catastrophically nor rising to the heights its talented team might have reached with more restraint and focus. Watch “Strays” in theaters beginning August 18, if your sensibilities can handle a walk on the wild side of canine comedy that’s less interested in fetching your heart than in marking its territory on your sense of propriety.