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Crudely effective and effectively crude, Strays is more amusing than hilarious, but this comedy's scattershot humor is partly offset by its surprisingly big heart.

Strays is funny enough to recommend as a raunchy good time -- just know that it definitely isn't for kids or the easily offended.

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Josh Greenbaum

Will Ferrell

Isla Fisher

Randall Park

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Full disclosure, right off the top: I knew I was going to be a soft touch on “Strays.”

We’re a longtime Boston Terrier family, and I’ve always wondered what our dogs would sound like if they could talk to us. (Surely, I’m not the only one who entertains such insane ideas.) So the prospect of an R-rated comedy in which Jamie Foxx provides the voice of a street-smart Boston named Bug—who drops copious F-bombs, gets high on mushrooms, and humps discarded couches—was very exciting.

“Strays” is pretty much a one-joke movie, one last romp at the end of summer. But it finds enough ways into that joke within its perfectly pithy running time to remain zippy and enjoyable. The way it upends heartwarming dog adventure movie tropes is often hilariously inspired. And there’s great chemistry within the voice cast, particularly between Foxx and star Will Ferrell , who had the unusual benefit of recording together.

Director Josh Greenbaum has shown a flair for out-there comedy with a sweetness at its core in the delightfully bizarre “ Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar ” (2021). He achieves a similar balance with raunchier material in “Strays.” Besides featuring a ton of profanity, the screenplay from Dan Perrault includes plenty of poop and pee jokes (not all of which are entirely puerile), vigorous humping, and some wilderness mayhem that some may find shocking. But the film also explores the importance of identifying and escaping toxic relationships, achieving a sense of self-worth, and basking in the support of deep and unexpected friendships.

I may have teared up a few times. Like I said at the start, a soft touch. Your mileage may vary on this canine road trip.

“Strays” begins on an upbeat note with narration from Ferrell as Reggie, an adorably scruffy Border terrier who’s clueless to the fact that his miserable, abusive owner ( Will Forte ) hates him and keeps trying to abandon him. “Today is going to be the best day ever!” he intones in a sunny manner reminiscent of Margot Robbie ’s optimism at the start of “ Barbie .” And totally coincidentally, “Strays” shares a similar structure to Greta Gerwig ’s mega-blockbuster: Idealistic character leaves home, goes to the “real world,” makes friends, and learns hard truths before returning to fix things with the newfound knowledge. Only in this case, the protagonist’s purpose is literally to bite off his owner’s penis, a more violent form of eviscerating the patriarchy than Barbie ever could imagine. Ferrell is essentially doing a version of his character in “ Elf ” here, mixing wide-eyed enthusiasm with deadpan observations and bringing his signature sincerity to a silly role. As always, he’s a hoot.

After his owner dumps him in a faraway city, Reggie gets help in his quest from the trash-talking Bug, who insists he wants to be a stray and navigates the world with the swagger of a little dog who thinks he’s big. Foxx has fantastic energy here, savoring the musicality of his character’s every profane tirade. Along for the trip are the Australian shepherd Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), a gifted sniffer, and a Great Dane named Hunter ( Randall Park ), a former police K-9 who now works as a therapy dog for the elderly.

Cursing and calamitous antics ensue, much of which you’ve probably already seen in the trailer, but thankfully there are plenty of surprises in store. The visual effects work is mostly seamless, with all of the dogs (and their unseen trainers) giving impressive physical performances. Some of the CGI in the face and mouth movements are distractingly jumpy and inconsistent, especially regarding Bug’s dialogue. Is it too much to ask for total realism in a late-summer talking dog movie?  

The gross-out gags may grow a bit repetitive, but “Strays” ultimately redeems itself by ending on a note that’s feel-good without being cloying. It features some amusing insights into how dogs perceive the world, from fireworks to postal workers. And it just might make you think twice about what that pampered Pomeranian in the expensive sweater is barking about at the dog park.

Now playing in theaters. 

Christy Lemire

Christy Lemire is a longtime film critic who has written for RogerEbert.com since 2013. Before that, she was the film critic for The Associated Press for nearly 15 years and co-hosted the public television series “Ebert Presents At the Movies” opposite Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, with Roger Ebert serving as managing editor. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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‘Strays’ Review: A Raunchy Comedy Goes to the Dogs

Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx voice two canines on a quest for revenge in this crude live-action feature.

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By Glenn Kenny

The King James Bible is loaded with memorable analogies, and one of the most vivid is from Proverbs: “As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” It’s true — a dog will do that. A dog might also sample the vomit of another dog, as is depicted in one of the many intestinal, fecal and urinal gags served up in the relentlessly raunchy comedy “Strays.”

Directed by Josh Greenbaum from a script by Dan Perrault, “Strays” tells the story of Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), a winsome Border terrier who is abandoned by his owner, the miserable, porn-addict stoner Doug (Will Forte).

Alone in an alley, Reggie gets the come-on from some sexy Afghan hounds. How does prostitution work in unsupervised dog society? It is never explained, just as it’s never explained why the animals speak to each other in English while not understanding the English spoken by the humans. The movie uses a mix of live action and computer animation, but world-building was not quite a priority here.

Once Reggie meets the street-smart Boston terrier Bug (Jamie Foxx) and realizes the extent to which Doug hated him, he resolves to find the man and bite off one of his most beloved extremities. In this quest, the new friends are joined by two domesticated dogs: Hunter (Randall Park), a timid Great Dane, and Maggie (Isla Fisher), an elegant but earthy Australian Shepherd.

Over the next 90-plus minutes, the canines drop as many F-bombs as Pacino did in “Scarface.” Then there are the scatological jokes, each one more outlandish than the last, none bearing the slightest tinge of wit or joy. (The thing about John Waters’s extreme underground comedies is that they had, you know, enthusiasm.) Granted, a scene here that takes aim at the convention of the “narrator dog” does produce a curdled laugh, but it does so on its way to a truly nihilistic punchline.

And yet as that proverb warns, one unfortunately can’t rule out a sequel.

Strays Rated R for relentless language, crude humor and gore. Running time: 1 hour 33 minutes. In theaters.

An earlier version of this review misstated a type of dog in “Strays.” Reggie is a Border terrier, not a mutt. The error was repeated in a picture caption.

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‘strays’ review: will ferrell and jamie foxx lead voice cast in an amusingly dirty dog-com.

Isla Fisher, Randall Park and Josh Gad are among the other voice performers in this raunchy canine comedy from 'Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar' director Josh Greenbaum.

By Frank Scheck

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Strays offers everything a canine lover could possibly want: dogs peeing, dogs pooping, dogs humping, dogs puking, dogs talking dirty, dogs getting high, dogs…well, you get the idea.

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Until, that is, Reggie gets thoroughly lost in a big city, where he becomes friends with Bug (Foxx), a foul-mouthed Boston Terrier who quickly wises him up to Doug’s true nature.

Reggie is still determined to get back home, this time not for a joyful reunion but rather to bite off Doug’s favorite part of his anatomy, one to which he pays near constant attention (the sight of Forte shaving his nether regions is not easily forgotten). He’s joined in his quest by two other new acquaintances: Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), an Australian Shepherd with a killer nose for sniffing out scents; and Hunter ( Randall Park ), an anxiety-ridden Great Dane who works as a therapy dog in a hospice after flunking out of the canine police academy. Hunter wears a protective cone around his neck — not because he needs one, but because it makes him feel more at ease.

It’s no wonder the film’s poster features one of the dogs prominently holding an R-rating announcement in his mouth, since careless parents who bring their kids to see these adorable pups will have a lot of explaining to do to their traumatized children. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, though, since Strays also delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of loving our endlessly loyal canine pets. And not letting them eat wild mushrooms, as that would result in them getting stoned out of their minds, which happens here.

In case you’re wondering how the dogs appear to be talking, it’s with the same CGI animation that has made doggie lips move in many previous films, a visual effect that is as creepy as it is uncanny. And although there’s no small amount of other visual trickery in the film’s animal depictions (squirrels and eagles also appear), the real dog performers have clearly been extremely well trained in their paces, delivering the sort of complex, nuanced performances that should put many human thespians to shame. Director Josh Greenbaum ( Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar ) clearly has the patience of a saint.

Among the other vocal performers are Rob Riggle and Josh Gad as a pair of overzealous K-9 dogs and Sofia Vergara as a seductive couch. And if you have to ask how a couch can be seductive, you haven’t been around enough dogs. There’s also a fun cameo by a famous actor who’s starred in a couple of hit dog-themed movies himself.

If you’re wondering whether Reggie gets to complete his mission of revenge, suffice it to say that Forte proves himself a good sport and you’ll never hear Miley Cyrus’ hit song “Wrecking Ball” the same way again.  

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‘Strays’ Review: Foul-Mouthed Dogs Teach Humans a Few New Tricks in Original Talking-Dog Comedy

Will Ferrell leads a voice cast including Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher and Randall Park in an R-rated spin on a genre typically aimed at kids — but decidedly not kid-friendly this time around.

By Todd Gilchrist

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Pet owners spend an inordinate amount of time imagining, ascribing, even acting out the behaviors of their animals. “ Strays ” feels like the natural — if comically exaggerated — extension of that impulse, chronicling the personality of a border terrier named Reggie as he and three canine pals make an arduous trek back to Reggie’s owner, along with all of the attendant misunderstandings and misinterpretations about the human world around them.

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Perrault’s script conceives the world of Reggie and his companions quite literally from the ground up, looking at the choices of humans and making their own assumptions about what they’re doing and why, be it a game of fetch or chronic masturbation. Until he encounters Bug, Reggie loves Doug unconditionally — either ignoring, rationalizing or accepting blame for the human’s misanthropic self-absorption — and it’s this psychological aspect which gives the film a uniqueness among “talking animal” movies and a very contemporary resonance at a time when people are more aware than ever about the diagnoses and mechanics of interpersonal relationships. Hard though it may be for some viewers to watch as Doug emotionally mistreats Reggie, the movie astutely helps the little pup pivot as he realizes that every dog deserves to hear they’re a good boy or girl, and that they’re not bad just because they don’t.

Greenbaum is more than a ringleader behind the camera. Though he stages some really fun sequences that hilariously leverage the differences between the dogs (in particular involving the well-endowed but insecure Hunter), he also keeps the animal chaos on a short enough leash to maintain those emotional throughlines. As producers, Lord and Miller have always had a great sense of how far to let a comedic bit go before pulling back, and their touch here is palpable as the dogs indulge in drug trips and scatological digressions that are very funny but almost always exercise the audience’s feelings as much as their funny bones. That the movie wraps up its business in just over 90 minutes is also an enormous virtue, but the fact that Greenbaum and his collaborators elicit genuine emotion while also racing through some very inventive beats for a road trip comedy is a testament to how expertly they handle the material.

As for the cast, all of the voice actors feel like pinch hitters — easy with a joke or comeback, great at improvising to match the behavior of their four-legged counterpart — with Ferrell at the center of it providing the perfectly ebullient vocal accompaniment to Reggie’s dopey, cheerful little face. Meanwhile, Forte is appropriately loathsome as only the once and future MacGruber can be, while also seeming to recognize that he’s fifth on the call sheet. But beyond the (possible) insights these performances provide about the way that dogs process the world around them (regarding the mailman, one of them says, “you smell like too many homes and I can’t trust that”), “Strays” manages to avoid the ranks of other lost-animal movies, or even this summer’s thickening slate of R-rated comedies, because it illuminates deeper and more relatable truths about how humans can navigate their own relationships.

Reviewed at Sepulveda Screening Room, Aug. 9, 2023. MPA Rating: R. Running time: 93 MIN.

• Production: A Universal Pictures release and presentation of a Gloria Sanchez, Lord Miller, Picturestart, Rabbit Hole production. Producers: Erik Feig, Louis Leterrier, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Dan Perrault, Aditya Sood. Executive producers: Nikki Baida, Julia Hammer, Douglas C. Merrifield, Jessica Switch.
• Crew: Director: Josh Greenbaum. Screenplay: Dan Perrault. Camera: Tim Orr. Editors: Greg Hayden, Sabrina Plisco, David Rennie. Music: Dara Taylor.
• With: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Will Forte, Brett Gelman, Rob Riggle, Josh Gad, Sophia Vergara.
• Music By: Dara Taylor

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From Lassie and Rin Tin Tin to 101 Dalmatians, Old Yeller, My Dog Skip, Homeward Bound, A Dog’s Purpose and on and on, the canine genre has been a staple of Hollywood movies for decades. I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone got the idea to make a balls-out, foul-mouthed, R-rated subversion of it all, and finally its time has come with the irresistible Strays , a film definitely not designed as a family movie or for kids — though I would bet, despite the language and nonstop dick jokes, they would love it anyway.

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Writer Dan Perrault goes for the gutter in much of the dialogue and situations, but importantly he does not forget the heart of it all, and ultimately we are really rooting for these four-legged friends to find happiness and their forever homes. There isn’t a mean bone in Strays except for Forte’s disgusting Doug, and boy does he ever get his in the end (or should I say the front) . Director Josh Greenbaum and his production team pull it all off with technical expertise, a real feat since the dogs are the focus for all 93 minutes of this fast-moving comedy. Ferrell and Foxx are pitch perfect in their voice work, but Fisher and Park really are the scene stealers on the vocal side. You have to applaud Forte, a genuinely nice guy most of the time, for taking on such an evil guy, but he doesn’t hold back. We hate Doug. Brett Gelman as Willy, an animal control officer, also is appropriately pathetic. Josh Gad, Harvey Guillen, Jamie Demetriou and Sofia Vergara (as a couch for humping!) are other voices along the way, with a nice turn from Rob Riggle as Rolf, a German Shepherd police dog on the hunt for a missing girl scout. There is also a very brief cameo from a certain A Dog’s Purpose star that gets a big laugh.

Producers are Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Erik Feig, Aditya Sood, Louis Letterier and Perrault.

Title: Strays Release date: August 18, 2023 Distributor: Universal Pictures Director: Josh Greenbaum Screenwriter: Dan Perrault Cast: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Brett Gelman, Will Forte, Josh Gad, Harvey Guillen, Rob Riggle, Jamie Demetriou, Sofia Vergara Rating: R Running time: 1 hr 33 min

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Strays Review: A Live-Action Dog Comedy That’s More Impressive Than Funny

Prepare for lots of jokes about humping..

Dogs are silly, funny animals. This is something that people have known for thousands and thousands of years, but it’s a fact that’s particularly been made apparent in the internet age, with social media sites featuring an endless stream of videos from pet owners who catch their canine companions acting weird. They display unique personalities, but there are also universal bizarre behaviors that have been well documented and mocked – from their need to walk in tight circles before lying down, to scooting their butt on the floor, to humping just about anything.

Release Date: August 18, 2023 Directed By: Josh Greenbaum Written By: Dan Perrault Starring: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, and Will Forte Rating: R for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use Runtime: 93 minutes

The pervasiveness of this kind of internet content is a big hindrance to Strays , the new film from director Josh Greenbaum. The movie has no shortage of ambition, as it executes its feature-length story and action with four real dogs as its protagonists, but it ends up being more impressive than funny. It has its comedic bright spots, including a satisfying finale, but it relies far too heavily on pointing at commonly recognized idiosyncrasies and aims consistently at low-hanging fruit. Far too much of it is comparable to a live-action remake of The Secret Life Of Pets (albeit with more obscene language and behavior).

Written by Dan Perrault, Strays tells the tale of Reggie ( Will Ferrell ), a naïve, optimistic Border Terrier trapped unknowingly trapped in an abusive relationship. His owner is Doug ( Will Forte ), a shiftless asshole who adopted Reggie when he was in a relationship and blames the dog for his breakup. Doug regularly tries to get rid of his pet by driving him off to a far location, tossing a tennis ball, and leaving, but Reggie always just gets the ball and comes back to his home in the suburbs.

Frustrated by the pup’s regular returns, Doug eventually decides to drive miles away to the nearest city and drop Reggie off in a dark alley – which is where he ends up meeting a Boston Terrier named Bug ( Jamie Foxx ) who changes his life. He not only comes to understand that his owner is a horrible person but also the joys of being a stray. He learns to appreciate his new freedom, but he also decides that his relationship with his owner is not quite over. With help from Bug as well as a Great Dane named Hunter ( Randall Park ) and an Australian Shepherd named Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), Reggie makes it his mission to return back to Doug and bite his penis off.

The comedy in Strays is too dependent on references to  humorous dog behaviors and doesn't have enough original material.

As far as revenge plots go, Strays is packed with a winner, and it’s at its best when it is heavily leaning into its R-rating – but there is a shortage of material in that department and it doesn’t have much in the way for fresh observational humor. The introduction of Bug, as an example, sees the tiny hound face off with a Rottweiler and a Dobermann, and he ends up scaring the bigger dogs off by acting like a psychopath. Anyone who has ever seen a canine interaction like this before in real life can smile in recognition, but it’s not made uproariously funny no matter how crass Jamie Foxx gets in his voice over.

Most of the movie operates with this kind of humor, and it’s diverting, but not hilarious. It eventually feels like there was a checklist involved in the construction of the script, with various bits and references peppered into the characters’ journey from the city back to Doug’s house. Humping things? Check. Eating vomit? Check. Hating the mailman? Check. To the film’s credit, it doesn’t overplay the cliché dogs vs. cats dynamic, but it is still used as the source of a joke (as though the filmmakers just couldn’t help themselves).

The bright spots come when the film moves away from that kind of material, like with the penis biting plot and a bit involving what Bug describes as a “Narrator Dog,” but they get buried in all of the tropes. The talented cast does what it can to add to the comedy, and they do successfully imbue their characters with specific personalities, but it only gets the movie so far.

Strays is an impressive feat of filmmaking and is able to do surprising and awesome things with the canine stars.

It’s possible that some of the better comedic bits conceptualized behind the scenes ended up not being feasible without an over-reliance on visual effects, but if Strays does one thing particularly well, it’s showcasing the shocking capabilities of canine performers. Along with some skillful cinematography and editing, it’s remarkable just how natural it looks when two or more of the dogs are in a scene having a conversation. The voice -over performances never feel non-diegetic, as the animal actors are always engaged in any given scene, and their actions appear realistic instead of either rehearsed or incidental.

In its own way, Strays affirms the old Hollywood adage about working with animals (and children). In this case, it’s not an actor who gets outshined by a furry co-star, but the film’s comedy sensibilities in general. It’s 93 minutes of movie magic, but far from the funniest feature of 2023.

Eric Eisenberg is the Assistant Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. After graduating Boston University and earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism, he took a part-time job as a staff writer for CinemaBlend, and after six months was offered the opportunity to move to Los Angeles and take on a newly created West Coast Editor position. Over a decade later, he's continuing to advance his interests and expertise. In addition to conducting filmmaker interviews and contributing to the news and feature content of the site, Eric also oversees the Movie Reviews section, writes the the weekend box office report (published Sundays), and is the site's resident Stephen King expert. He has two King-related columns.

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Common Sense Media Review

Revenge dog-com is off the leash with drug use, swearing.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Strays is a lowbrow comedy that may be about talking dogs and feature Will Ferrell as an adorable pup named Reggie but is definitely not for kids. Reggie is treated terribly by his human owner, and some of the movie's laughs come from contrasting Reggie's trusting point-of…

Why Age 16+?

Pervasive, extreme profanity/insults, including "f--k," "ass," "a--hole," "balls

Implied human masturbation. Dog humping. Erection jokes, including images of an

Bong hits on camera. Psychedelic drug trip that's pleasurable for the character

A dog mauls a villain in a purposely unrealistic scene that's played for comedy

Any Positive Content?

Underlying the over-the-top humor is the message that pets deserve to be treated

Main characters are dogs; they're voiced by Black actor Jamie Foxx, Korean Ameri

The four main canine characters are misfits around the dog park but band togethe

Pervasive, extreme profanity/insults, including "f--k," "ass," "a--hole," "balls," "bitch," "boner," "c--k," "d--k," "goddamn," "losers," "morons," "motherf----r," "porn," "p--sy," "s--t," and "stupid" and "Jesus Christ!" as an exclamation.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Implied human masturbation. Dog humping. Erection jokes, including images of an erect dog penis. Animal sex. Images of scantily dressed women on posters in sexually provocative poses. Sexual come-on. Human nudity from the backside. Pubic hair. Extreme close-up of dog anus. Box labeled "porn."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Bong hits on camera. Psychedelic drug trip that's pleasurable for the character experiencing it but has consequences. Beer drinking is portrayed as fun and is supported by the comment "I like it." Drug paraphernalia.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

A dog mauls a villain in a purposely unrealistic scene that's played for comedy and positioned as justifiable. Bloody animal carcasses. Dogs are in significant peril when captured by a predator. References to severe animal neglect and abuse presented humorously. Threat of injury. Significant fall played for comic effect.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Underlying the over-the-top humor is the message that pets deserve to be treated with the love they give their human companions.

Diverse Representations

Main characters are dogs; they're voiced by Black actor Jamie Foxx, Korean American actor Randall Park, and White actors Will Ferrell and Isla Fisher. Positive human characters include a Black female police officer and a Black Girl Scout and her little brother. Supporting dog voices and human actors are Black, Latino, and Asian.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Positive Role Models

The four main canine characters are misfits around the dog park but band together to form a supportive friendship -- including helping a friend in an abusive relationship realize that it's time to leave. But the dogs are also pretty crude and speak disrespectfully to just about everyone. A K-9 cop takes a gentle approach to her job.

Parents need to know that Strays is a lowbrow comedy that may be about talking dogs and feature Will Ferrell as an adorable pup named Reggie but is definitely not for kids. Reggie is treated terribly by his human owner, and some of the movie's laughs come from contrasting Reggie's trusting point-of-view with his owner's ugly attitude and behavior. Then Reggie decides to get revenge. The movie transforms sweet, innocent pets into obscene "bros": Be ready for simulated human masturbation, animal sex (and constant dog humping), a tornado of pubic hair, a naked male backside, and a very erect dog penis. Violent scenes/references are largely played for humor and include the canine characters seriously mauling and maiming others, to bloody effect on a couple of occasions. Bloody animal carcasses are also seen, and there are references to severe animal neglect and abuse. The dogs curse constantly ("c--k," "d--k," "s--t," and nonstop use of "f--k"), and drug use and drinking are depicted as fun bonding experiences between friends. Underlying everything in this over-the-top "tail" is a message that, while not preachy, can't be missed: Be kind to pets. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (8)
• Kids say (13)

Based on 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell ) is abandoned by his owner, Doug ( Will Forte ), he's befriended by three other STRAYS who've been disappointed by humans: Bug ( Jamie Foxx ), Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), and Hunter ( Randall Park ). They show Reggie how fun life can be off leash, and when they realize that Reggie is being mistreated, they help him plot revenge against Doug. Voice talent also includes Josh Gad, Sofia Vergara, and Rob Riggle , and Dennis Quaid appears as himself.

Is It Any Good?

Rude, lewd, and absolutely hilarious, director Josh Greenbaum 's subversive comedy (with perfect voice casting) is effective at delivering its message: Be nice to animals. Owners who often "forget" to walk or feed their furry family member(s) are likely to start remembering after watching Strays . But parents may want to take a look before saying yes to what will undoubtedly be a "paw"-pular movie among teens, because it also has iffier takeaways. For instance, the dogs unknowingly lap up beer, leading to wild fun and Reggie's enthusiastically declaring "I like it!" Later, the dogs unwittingly eat psychedelic mushrooms and have a raucous, rowdy time. Both scenes drive home the idea that alcohol and drug use can help form and deepen friendships. And then there's the nonstop profanity -- let's just say it's pretty ruff .

Many of the people involved in making Strays are veterans of making kid-friendly entertainment: Ferrell is the Elf himself , producers Phil Lord and Chris Mille r are the creators of the Lego and Spider-Verse movies, and writer Dan Perrault was the host of a digital kid movie review series for Fandango. But that may be exactly why Strays is so funny: It converts the kid-friendly genre of dog movies into raunch, which shocks viewers into laughing -- kind of like South Park and Sausage Party did. The filmmakers are publicly (and responsibly) positioning Strays as entertainment for adults, but the question is: How many will heel to their warning?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how comedy is used to deliver the the message of Strays. If it was a drama, do you think it would be equally effective? Do you think as many people would see it?

What role do drugs and alcohol play in the movie? Are they glamorized ? Are there real-life consequences? Why is that important?

How violent is the movie? How much gore is shown? What effect does it have? Is it funny? Shocking? Justified? Why do you think the extreme violence in this film makes viewers laugh , when the same thing happening in real life would be terrifying?

Movie Details

• In theaters : August 18, 2023
• On DVD or streaming : September 5, 2023
• Cast : Will Ferrell , Jamie Foxx , Isla Fisher , Dennis Quaid
• Director : Josh Greenbaum
• Inclusion Information : Black actors, Female actors
• Studio : Universal Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Topics : Cats, Dogs, and Mice
• Run time : 93 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use
• Last updated : May 3, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

‘Strays’ Review: Crude Dog Comedy Is a Clever Laugh Riot Made for Pet Lovers

The jokes may be juvenile in the new film from the director of “Barb and Star,” but they certainly work

It’s been said, probably, that every movie would be even better with wiener jokes. I don’t think this was said by very mature individuals, nor do I think they were sober when they said it, but I’m pretty sure it’s been said at least once or twice. Probably by college students binge-watching “South Park” and huffing Cheeto dust.

In any case, those amateur philosophers are probably the target audience for “Strays,” a talking animal movie in the illustrious vein of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and the Owen Wilson version of “Marmaduke.” But although the majority of films where live-action animals talk with the assistance of flappy-mouthed CGI are made for children — who theoretically are enchanted by such things — “Strays” is full of profanity, jokes about sex and violence, and pervasive themes about abusive relationships.

And while it’s easy to imagine a cranky old critic waving his cane around, complaining about subverting all these family-friendly archetypes, you’ll have to go somewhere else for that. “Strays” is trying to be offensive, and at some point it’ll probably hit your gag reflex (your mileage might vary on when), but it’s also very funny and, in its odd and exceptionally crude way, kinda sweet.

“Strays” stars Will Ferrell as the voice of Reggie, an adorable Border Terrier who absolutely loves his human owner, Doug (Will Forte), who absolutely hates Reggie’s guts. Reggie’s playful shenanigans cost Doug his girlfriend and his favorite bong, and always cuts into his (nearly constant) masturbation schedule.

So Doug drives Reggie out into the country, throws his favorite ball into the woods, and drives away as fast as he can. Then Reggie finds his way back home, “Homeward Bound”-style, and Doug has to run the routine all over again. Because he really hates that dog and that dog really loves him.

When Doug finally drives Reggie three hours outside of town and drops him in the middle of the big city, it seems like the game is over. Reggie is now officially a stray. Fortunately, he’s got an experienced mentor, Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx), who shows him the ropes. Anything you pee on is yours, for example.

After having the best night of his life with Bug and their friends Hunter (voiced by Randall Park), a former police dog with a cone over his head, and Maggie (voiced by Isla Fisher), whose influencer owner prefers her new, tiny, camera-friendly puppy, Reggie realizes for the first time that Doug never loved him. And that makes Reggie mad. So mad that he decides he’s going find his way back home and bite Doug’s penis off.

This might seem like a bad idea, but only if you’ve never met Doug. “Strays” does an admirable job of making Doug the kind of guy who, if you found out a dog bit his dick off, would make you think “Good dog.” If Doug had any redeeming qualities whatsoever, the plot wouldn’t work. So Will Forte has carte blanche to be the most unlikable character we’ve seen in movies in a long, long time.

Meanwhile, the dogs themselves are adorable, and not just because they’re fluffy. Reggie’s naiveté is balanced by his bravery and loyalty. Pug’s tough exterior masks a wounded soul, and he really cares about Reggie as a friend. And then there’s Hunter and Maggie, who are clearly in love with each other but unable to seal the deal in what dogs call “Regular Style.”

“Strays” was directed by Josh Greenbaum, an award-winning documentarian whose narrative feature debut, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” is one of the funniest of movies of the decade. Like “Barb and Star,” his latest film looks at first glance like a one-joke wonder, but it always finds new ways to make you laugh. The difference is the jokes in “Strays” have a lot more poop and pee in them. I repeat: A lot more poop and pee.

That might have been enough to make “Strays” a serviceable comedy, but the script by Dan Perrault (“American Vandal”) has some interesting ideas in it. The story is a clever subversion of the “Benji” formula, where instead of a stray dog finding a human family, a stray dog realizes he doesn’t need one. There are also wonderfully funny jokes lampooning other films in the talking animal genre. (The gag about “Narrator Dogs,” who constantly describe what their owners are doing, has a fantastic pay-off.)

As for the film’s hit-you-over-the-head theme about toxic relationships, well, nobody expected “Strays” to be subtle. And while it may be trying, with mixed-bag success, to connect with humans in the audience familiar with similar struggles, it’s genuinely successful at making you remember to go home and give some extra cuddles to your own pets, to whom you are their entire world, and who don’t understand that you’re trying to write a movie review right now and you’ll give them cuddles in a minute, OK? Is that OK? You need cuddles right now, don’t you? Alright, gimme a second…

Where was I? Oh yeah, “Strays.” Like I said before, the film is actively trying to gross you out and it’s very likely to do so. There’s a sequence in the middle where the dogs eat magic mushrooms that goes to a very dark place, and to be perfectly frank, I don’t think that was very funny. The film won me back quickly, but sheesh, read the room next time.

Yet for the most part, “Strays” does what it needs to do. It makes you laugh at dogs doing naughty things, and it makes you remember your pets need cuddles. OK guys, the review is over now. Let’s get you some treats!

“Strays” opens exclusively in theaters on Aug. 18.

Review: Off the chain and ready to sniff you up, ‘Strays’ is, at root, a typical tail of vengeance

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What to make of “Strays,” a proudly raunchy, decidedly R-rated comedy about a pack of stray dogs on a brash journey of revenge against one’s abusive owner? As the film’s widely seen red-band trailer makes clear, it’s a live-action talking-dog picture definitely not for kids. But is it compelling enough to fetch older audiences, even the staunchest pup lovers?

Take out its wall-to-wall F-bombs, envelope-pushing scatological humor and often gross and, in one key case, deeply disturbing visuals, and you’re pretty much left with an amusing if rote story of well-meaning animals learning lessons on the road. Think “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” or the more recent “A Dog’s Way Home” but with the furry main characters having their way with couches and garden art, tripping on magic mushrooms, and spouting poop and penis jokes.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum ( “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” ), written by Dan Perrault (Netflix’s “American Vandal” ) and deftly voiced by a cast of comic pros, the film finds an unflaggingly upbeat, 2-year-old border terrier named Reggie (Will Ferrell, in “Elf” mode ) abandoned by his dirtbag dog-dad, Doug ( Will Forte ), on some mean city streets three hours from their ramshackle home. Doug always detested Reggie and only ended up the owner of the sweet pup to spite his ex-girlfriend, who loved the dog but learned to hate the two-timing Doug.

No number of pushy laughs here can make Doug’s mistreatment of Reggie seem anything less than appalling, even if — or especially because — the pooch misguidedly believes his owner adores him, and that Doug’s efforts to lose him are just a fun game. Many of the dog’s-eye-view observations here are droll and relatable, but this isn’t one of them; it’s just sad.

Once left on his own, Reggie quickly falls in with Bug ( Jamie Foxx ), a tough, potty-mouthed Boston terrier with a fierce independent streak and strict set of rules that doesn’t include humans. Reggie and Bug are the classic odd couple, and it doesn’t take a psychic to predict these two fast friends will change (and maybe even save) each other’s lives by journey’s end. It’s a satisfying relationship to watch unfold and one of the film’s better elements.

With the added help of Bug’s stray pals — Hunter ( Randall Park ), an anxious, neck-cone-wearing Great Dane, and Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), a smart Australian shepherd with a super sense of smell — Reggie begins to see how Doug is nothing but a cruel, pet-loathing lowlife. The pack then bands together to find its way back to Doug’s house, where Reggie will punish his ex-owner by chomping off his beloved genitals. If you don’t find this prospect even remotely funny or tolerable, this isn’t the flick for you.

En route, we’re treated to a hit-or-miss barrage of comedic bits involving a pizza-and-beer blowout, crazy-making fireworks, a rapacious eagle, a four-way urination ritual, a smeary dog-pound escape, an unfortunate (and frankly disturbing) rabbit incident and much else. There’s also plenty of goofy, no-holds-barred canine conversation (CGI was effectively used to animate the dogs’ mouths) about everything from territory-marking and why humans scoop up after their pups, to theories about the hounds’ not-so-private parts. A scene in which the dogs all frantically spin in circles before finding a suitable sleeping position should tickle any pooch parent.

Still, the swearing and gross-out humor loses its bite after a while. We’re left with an at times heartfelt and enjoyably observed story that may hold interest with more patient viewers but, due to some episodic scene work and slack pacing, leave others restless. And lest anyone think the movie’s randy-animals conceit is especially groundbreaking, more than 50 years ago came the hyper-bawdy counterculture classic “Fritz the Cat,” (“He’s X-rated and animated!” went the tagline).

Kudos to the “Strays” animal training team, led by Mark Forbes (“A Dog’s Purpose”), which clearly had its work cut out for it. And to the dogs themselves (voiced by Josh Gad, Harvey Guillén, Rob Riggle, Greta Lee and others), who are adorable and engaging even when they’re doing and saying the darnedest things — except during that climactic payback sequence at Doug’s. Beware.

'Strays'

Rating: R, for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes. Playing: In general release.

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A Very Silly Movie About Some Very Good Dogs

The raunchy talking-animals comedy Strays contains a warm core about the unconditional love of pets. Who can be mad about that?

Early on in the raunchy talking-animals comedy Strays , a montage plays of four dogs humping inanimate lawn ornaments, guzzling beer leaking from trash bags, and bonding over a plan to bite off a man’s genitals. It’s an inartfully staged sequence, packed with sophomoric jokes and enough f-bombs to rival a Quentin Tarantino film. On the other hand: Will you look at those sweet, scruffy faces! Those little paws! Sure, their CGI-ed mouths appear a bit strange and the canines do not seem to be making direct eye contact with one another, but they each deserve belly rubs and every single treat ever. How can anyone dislike a scene in which the goodest dogs are having the best time? Indeed, halfway through my screening, I glanced at my notes and realized that I’d drawn a series of smiley faces.

That’s all to say that Strays knows what it’s doing with its choice to follow a furry foursome, which saves the film from being an exercise in pure nonsense—at least for the dog-lovers in the audience. Hollywood makes plenty of absurd movies built on underbaked premises: This year, Cocaine Bear , Mafia Mamma , and 65 come to mind. Amid such a mediocre pack, you could do worse than a 93-minute film that, for all its obscene humor and gratuitous violence, contains a softhearted center about—what else?—the unconditional love of pets.

Then again, you could also do much better—and much funnier. Strays , despite being billed as an “R-rated comedy with bite,” is rather tame. (Sorry.) The story follows a Border Terrier named Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), who, after being abandoned by his pot-smoking loser owner, Doug (Will Forte), meets Bug (Jamie Foxx as a tough Boston terrier), Maggie (Isla Fisher as a smart Australian shepherd), and Hunter (Randall Park as a shy Great Dane). The group shows Reggie how to live without human supervision, and teaches him to accept that Doug was never kind to him—a revelation that kicks off a journey to make the former owner pay for his abuse.

Along the way, the four get involved in predictable misbehavior—drug-induced hijinks, gross-out gags—while indulging in endless dog-based jokes. The best ones involve highly specific jabs at dog-movie tropes, including a cameo that sends up A Dog’s Purpose and a scene involving a Homeward Bound– like, sentimental “narrator dog.” The worst involve asinine puns: At one point, the group debates what “regular style” means when it comes to dog sex.

Read: What do dogs know about us?

The director, Josh Greenbaum, isn’t trying to deliver the winsome charms of his last effort, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar , a comedy about best friendship and coastal vacations that’s already becoming a cult classic. Instead, it strives for a not unpleasant brain-numbing effect on par with, say, falling down an online rabbit hole of cute animal videos. Strays achieves that result, to an extent. By the final act of the film, I had stopped taking notes altogether, defeated by the relentlessness of the movie’s profanity and poop-based imagery. I—and the audience I was with—laughed at a scene involving Maggie attempting to tell knock-knock jokes, only for the other dogs to respond with a chorus of woofs. I chuckled when Hunter said the word howling because he could not actually howl, and when Bug yelled “Fuck you, leaf!” at a leaf.

At the time, I could not really explain why this was so funny. In an attempt to pull myself together, I started thinking about what it meant that I was enjoying Strays ; is this what “original” means now, for films to be made out of scenes that seem destined to become memes? Are the movie gods balancing the scales of narrative richness after the highs of Barbie and Oppenheimer ? Has the relentless crush of being too online made me the perfect target to appreciate the juvenile humor of cute characters cursing? Should every movie just star dogs? Would it work with cats? (Not if they’re played by humans .)

I know: I’ve overthought Strays . The movie is, in the end, deeply unserious and completely mindless, but still strangely sweet. It is late-summer schlock, featuring an ensemble of four-legged animals who have done nothing wrong ever in their lives. It’s a reminder, if nothing else, that an adorable protagonist embarking on a hero’s journey goes a long way. It doesn’t matter if Strays is good. Because those dogs? They’re very good dogs.

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• "Strays" takes a raunchy and unconventional approach to dog movies, with drugs, crude jokes, and lots of poop, making it not for everyone.
• The film pokes fun at dog movie tropes, but often resorts to simple and lowbrow humor, sacrificing the sweetness and charm of the dogs.
• Despite its profane comedy, "Strays" does touch on emotional elements and offers a satisfying ending, though some jokes miss the mark.

Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

It's probably safe to say that, when you think of dog movies, you think of the inspiring, heart-warming flicks where a dog bonds with their human companions and traverses the ups and downs of life alongside them, as seen with A Dog's Purpose or Marley & Me . Strays , the raunchy new movie from director Josh Greenbaum, takes the exact opposite track. Pushing the R rating to the extreme, Strays takes its eponymous pups on their own adventure, albeit one with drugs, many dick jokes, and lots and lots of poop. This is not a movie that will appeal to everyone, and occasionally seems driven more by shock value than anything else. Though it makes some attempts at finding genuine heart (and does at times succeed), Strays ' contrasting tones makes for an awkward, intermittently funny watch.

Sweet terrier Reggie (Will Ferrell) thinks he has the perfect life with owner Doug (Will Forte), who loves to play catch with him over and over again. What he doesn't realize is that Doug, a lazy, repulsive person, loathes him with every fiber of his being, and that the games of catch are meant to send him away. After Doug leaves Reggie hours away in an unfamiliar city, the tiny pup meets Bug (Jamie Foxx), a street-wise stray who quickly takes Reggie under his wing and teaches him the ways of being alone as a dog. As Reggie comes to grips with the fact that Doug wasn't a very good owner, he sets a new goal: Return home and exact revenge. With the help of fellow dogs Hunter (Randall Park), Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Bug, Reggie sets out on his biggest journey yet.

Strays is at its best when it is poking fun at the well-known tropes of dog movies, as seen during a quick interaction with a dog voiced by A Dog's Purpose narrator Josh Gad. Unfortunately, the movie is more interested in going for the simplest forms of humor, putting the dogs in situations where they accidentally get high, hump anything they can, and pee on each other. In the screening I attended, this prompted bouts of uncomfortable laughter, particularly in the moment where Reggie and his friends eat a bunch of mushrooms and get into some real, horrifying trouble. Greenbaum is eager to push the envelope of what adorable dogs can do, though they lose some of their sweetness after the millionth comment about Hunter's sizable anatomy.

At the same time, Strays isn't averse to a more emotional tone, whether that be through revealing the truth about Bug's backstory or addressing Reggie's abusive relationship with Doug. These serious elements don't always mesh well with the profane comedy, but they do serve to deepen the narrative and show Strays has more to offer than another joke about how dogs have sex. It should also be said that the ending is very satisfying, both in terms of Doug's fate and where each dog winds up. There's some predictability here, but that's okay. Having a hunch about where things will end doesn't diminish the overall impact.

Strays ' voice cast also proves to be a highlight. Ferrell nails Reggie's naivete and curiosity, while Foxx deftly shows there's more to Bug than the bravado he constantly puts on. Park and Fisher are both excellent additions to the cast, though their characters are often whittled down to a handful of facts, such as Hunter's large genitals and Maggie's recent abandonment by her owner. Reggie and Bug are the more developed characters by far, but Strays doesn't seem too concerned with that either. The punchlines are the most important part, and not all of them land.

Strays has some smarts to offer, and it's hard not to find some enjoyment in watching dogs run around onscreen. At the same time, its determination to always seek out the raunchiest, most unsettling situations for its characters brushes up awkwardly with its more heartfelt moments. There is almost certainly an audience for Strays , found within those who like lots of jokes about human excrement and sexual activities. For those who don't like that, though, there isn't enough of anything else to entice them.

Strays is now playing in theaters. It is 93 minutes long and rated R for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use.

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Strays Review: A Canine Laugh Riot Cleverly Tackles Pet Abuse

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A loving and loyal dog, abandoned by a truly despicable owner, finds a pack of caring canines who help him return home to exact sweet revenge. Strays will have audiences rolling in the aisles with its unabashed embrace of raunchy and sex-fueled humor. The foul-mouthed pooches liberally drop f-bombs while mocking weird humans and their penchant for picking up poop. A smart script relishes everything naughty but is also unexpectedly insightful. The film tackles themes of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect with a clever approach.

Reggie (Will Ferrell), a scruffy Border Terrier, recounts how "every day is a great day" with his supposedly fantastic owner Doug (Will Forte). He gets to eat leftover food scraps, is called fun names like s**t head and f**k nugget, while being chased around their filthy house. The awesome Doug loves to shove Reggie off the couch while engaging in his favorite activity — drum roll please — nonstop masturbation. The unemployed Doug has all the time in the world to tickle his pickle. But the best game is when Doug drives Reggie miles away, throws a tennis ball as far as possible, and jumps in the pickup before he can get back. It's sometimes exhausting to find a way home, but Doug always yells and screams enthusiastically when Reggie returns.

Playing fetch takes a more complicated turn after an eviction notice gets pinned to the front door. Doug's fury reaches a volcanic level when poor Reggie accidentally breaks his precious bong while packing. The unwitting mutt is tossed into the truck and taken to the big city. Doug chucks the ball towards a dark alley, kicks out Reggie, and takes off snickering. Reggie retrieves his beloved toy, but it's viciously snatched by an intimidating Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher. A frightened Reggie cowers in fear. He's rescued by a small dog with a big attitude.

Will Forte as the Despicable Doug

Bug (Jamie Foxx) despises bullies. He quickly shows the large breeds who's the king of the streets. Reggie follows the shrewd and savvy Bug, who promises to look out for him, but takes umbrage when he's called a stray.

Bug takes Reggie to a dog park where he meets the Australian Shepherd, Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Hunter (Randall Park), a mammoth Great Dane with a cone around his head. The kind Hunter flunked police training and now serves as a nursing home therapy dog. They tell Reggie to wise up. Doug abandoned you to die. Reggie's hurt and betrayed feelings explode into anger. He's going to find a way home and bite off the body part that Doug treasures the most.

Strays starts the laugh riot early with the innocent Reggie unaware of Doug's vile behavior towards him. Ferrell's naive voiceover smacks of disbelief until he finally realizes the cold truth. Foxx's vulgar and irrepressibly horny teachings indoctrinate Reggie to the glorious virtues of street life. An "unleashed" dog eats, pees, and poops whenever he wants. There's no waiting hours for a stupid human to walk you, beatings, or curses. People suck and will let you down. We later learn the source of Bug's tremendous disappointment, but it's all bravado and bluster. Every dog craves attention and belonging.

Related: The Best Dog Movies of All Time

Reggie adapts to "pack" life as they journey together on his quest for revenge . He's never had friends or experienced sincere warmth. Bug, Maggie, and Hunter show him kindness for the first time. These scenes add a lot of heart to the stream of juvenile shenanigans. Your jaw will hit the floor at their crazy antics. It's absolutely wild but ingeniously based on how dogs perceive their surroundings.

Screenwriter Dan Perrault ( American Vandal, Players ) has the characters waxing poetic on inexplicable human behavior. They don't understand why we're not sniffing butts, licking ourselves, and bizarrely hording chocolate...maybe that's where all the poop goes.

The Lovable Reggie

Strays' seamless visual effects never takes you out of the story. The dogs only speak to each other. It's barking, yipping, and howling to everyone else. Director Josh Greenbaum ( Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Becoming Bond ) doesn't over-anthropomorphize his furry cast. They always act and behave like dogs. This gets especially ribald when they discuss their own sexual proclivities. A subplot romance between Maggie and Hunter gets big laughs. Let's just say there's deep admiration for Hunter's genital endowment.

Related: Best Movies With Anthropomorphic Characters, Ranked

Perrault's script deserves credit for not running out of steam. Sex comedies deflate as the gags grow tiresome. Strays has a swift pace that keeps the characters constantly engaged. Some might get sick of the scatological jokes, but I sure didn't. The film succeeds at keeping the laughs flowing. There's never really a down beat to the story.

Doug isn't an implausible character and realistically represents terrible pet owners. People who hurt animals deserve his comeuppance. Animals have feelings, need companionship, and should never be mistreated. Cute puppies grow into dogs that need exercise to release energy. The message here is to be thoughtful, loving, and responsible for your pets.

Strays earns its hard-R rating and is strictly meant for mature audiences. The film is loaded with expletives, sexual imagery, and raw discourse.

Please consider a donation to the Maui Humane Society to help pets injured and displaced by the horrific wildfires.

Strays is produced by Lord Miller Productions and Picturestart. It will be released theatrically on August 18th from Universal Pictures .

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Why the Talking-Dog Movie 'Strays' Is Not for Kids: What to Know About the Raunchy R-Rated Comedy

"Strays" director Josh Greenbaum said "none of us were surprised" when the comedy landed its R rating

Universal Pictures

Make no mistake, parents: This talking-dog movie is for the grownups.

Strays , which opens in theaters on Friday, is not geared to children despite its cuddly stars. Billed as a "subversion of the dog movies we know and love," the comedy is rated R for "pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use."

The foul-mouthed pups are voiced by: Will Ferrell as a Border Terrier named Reggie; Jamie Foxx as a Boston Terrier named Bug; Isla Fisher as a Australian Shepherd named Maggie; and Randall Park as a Great Dane named Hunter.

Other cast members include Will Forte, Josh Gad, Harvey Guillén, Brett Gelman, Rob Riggle, Jamie Demetriou and Sofia Vergara.

Director Josh Greenbaum ( Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar ) told Collider that the Motion Picture Association, which decides film ratings, thought Strays was a "definitive R; there was not really much discussion."

"None of us were surprised by that. To be honest, if my memory serves, I don't believe we had to [make changes]. I think it was in the wheelhouse, and maybe there [were] one or two tiny things, but I don't think so. I think we fit into that category and it worked."

Greenbaum also shared that Ferrell, 56, asked one of his teenage sons whether he should make the movie.

"He was asking his youngest, who probably was 13 at the time, 12 or 13, 'Hey Axel, would you want to see me in an R-rated talking-dog movie, where the mission for me, along with my other stray dog friends is bite my owner's d--- off?' And Axel was like, 'One thousand percent, yes, do the movie immediately.' And so Will, I think half-jokingly, credits his son with green-lighting him getting involved," the director said.

Apart from featuring plenty of coarse language, Strays also sees the dog group get high after eating wild mushrooms, and includes what a press release referred to as "the unexpected virtues of couch-humping." The raunchy red band trailer for the film gives a taste of what to expect.

Director Greenbaum told Slashfilm the filmmakers were "dialing up and down the knobs" to push the boundaries of an R rating while making the movie.

"You're always trying to figure out where the line is," he said. "Once you've gotten into the R-rated kind of outrageous comedy, I think you want to push that line because you want to surprise an audience."

And, Greenbaum didn't want the movie to be a parody of the genre, rather standing on its own four feet.

"Ultimately, the film is not a spoof movie, which is why I loved it when I first read it. It really operates on its own. We send up that genre that I love, like Homeward Bound , Milo and Otis , Beethoven , all those kind of fun films," he explained. "There are moments where we send that up, but the film really functions on its own."

"... It actually has a lot more heart and an emotional center. It's outrageous and funny and loud and irreverent and all the things you can hopefully glean from the trailer," Greenbaum continued. "But I'm very excited to say that it also has this very surprising emotional center, which is really important for me as a filmmaker."

Strays is in theaters Friday.

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Isla Fisher

Randall Park

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The 10 Best Dog Movies, Ranked

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Since the early days of Hollywood, cinematic canines like Rin-Tin-Tin, Lassie, and Old Yeller have established man's best friend as a major box office draw. Today, there is an endless list of notable films about heroic dogs and humorous pups, including Disney's 101 Dalmatians , Hachi: A Dog's Tale , and Turner & Hooch , that have become beloved classics among film fans.

While some of these movies tug at the heartstrings or leave audiences with a bittersweet rush of emotion, they're still a vital part of the movie-going experience that has a lasting impact on many. With family comedies like Beethoven and My Dog Skip and animated adventures such as Wes Anderson 's Isle of Dogs and All Dogs Go to Heaven , these are ten of the best dog movies of all time, ranked!

10 'All Dogs Go to Heaven' (1989)

Directed by don bluth.

Charlie ( Burt Reynolds ) is a canine casino owner who is killed by a vicious gambler, Carface ( Vic Tayback ), but when Charlie finds a way to return to Earth from Heaven, he decides to take his revenge on his killer. As Charlie begins to execute his plan with the help of a young orphan girl, Anne-Marie ( Judith Barsi ), Charlie starts growing fond of the little girl, forcing Charlie to choose between exacting his revenge or helping her find a better life.

Like most of Don Bluth 's films, All Dogs Go to Heaven has a bit of a darker tone than most animated films, but it's still a must-see dog movie, featuring an array of memorable characters voiced by noteworthy names, which also includes Dom DeLuise , Loni Anderson , and Ken Page . Initially, t he movie earned mixed reviews and wasn't a massive success, but through the years, All Dogs Go to Heaven has become a cult classic, noted by many for its heartfelt story and visually stunning animation.

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

A canine angel, Charlie, sneaks back to earth from heaven but ends up befriending an orphan girl who can speak to animals. In the process, Charlie learns that friendship is the most heavenly gift of all.

Watch on Tubi

9 'Beethoven' (1992)

Directed by brian levant.

When a St. Bernard puppy sneaks into the Newton family's backyard, George Newton (Charles Grodin) isn't as keen on the new visitor as his wife, Alice (Bonnie Hunt) and kids. Reluctantly, George agrees to let the puppy, which they name Beethoven, stay, but as the small pet grows into a sizable dog, George becomes more frustrated with the destructive Beethoven, who seems to spoil everything for the patriarch.

The 1992 movie Beethoven is a hilarious family film that spawned a popular film franchise and was also co-written by John Hughes under the pseudonym, Edmond Dantés. Despite earning mixed reviews, Beethoven was a surprise success at the box office, raking in over one hundred and forty million dollars worldwide. The movie does have a few far-fetched and over-the-top moments, but all in all, Beethoven is an essential dog movie that is guaranteed to generate plenty of laughs for any movie-goer.

Rent on Amazon Prime

8 'Isle of Dogs' (2018)

Directed by wes anderson.

In Wes Anderson's clever stop-motion animated film, Isle of Dogs , there is an outbreak of dog flu, forcing all the canines in Megasaki City, Japan, to be sent to a garbage dump known as Trash Island, where they are forced to live in exile. When Atari ( Koyu Rankin ), decides to find his dog, Spots, he flies to the island and ends up meeting a pack of pups who all agree to help him find his beloved pet. The movie features the voice talents of notable stars, including Bryan Cranston , Bill Murray , and Scarlett Johansson .

Isle of Dogs is the epitome of the bond between a person and their canine companions, told through a unique spectrum of animation and immense detail with a political backdrop. The film is considered to be one of Anderson's boldest cinematic creations and was well-received by audiences and critics, including Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times , who called the film, "smart, different and sometimes deliberately odd." Despite the ominous premise of Isle of Dogs , audiences can be reassured that it's full of plenty of laughs that all lead to a more than satisfying ending in this one-of-a-kind dog movie.

Isle of Dogs

Set in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy's odyssey in search of his lost dog.

Watch on Disney+

7 'Eight Below' (2006)

Directed by frank marshall.

Paul Walker stars as a guide for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, Jerry Shepherd, who is asked to take a professor, Dr. Davis McClaren ( Bruce Greenwood ), out to collect fragments from a meteorite and, considering the icy weather conditions, the only way to travel is by sled dogs. When a storm forces the two to return to base camp, the weather becomes dangerous, forcing Shepherd to leave his dogs behind, but once back in the United States, he fights to get back to his pack and save them before it's too late.

Eight Below is a gut-wrenching but powerful survival film and a remake of the 1983 Japanese drama, Antarctica , which was inspired by the 1958 Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The movie features some highly emotional scenes and moments that are bound to make any viewer reach for the tissues, but Eight Below captures the immense loyalty and an unbreakable bond between a man and his dogs that is undeniable . Eight Below earned overall positive reviews and received three out of four stars from film critic, Roger Ebert , and is essentially an effective story about man's best friend.

Eight Below

6 'my dog skip' (2000), directed by jay russell.

Set in the 1940s, My Dog Skip stars Frankie Muniz as 9-year-old Willie Morris who receives a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy for his birthday and decides to name him Skip. As the bond between Willie and Skip grows, the pup begins to change various aspects of the boy's life, such as turning bullies into allies and even gaining the affection of the prettiest girl in school, changing both of their lives for the better.

My Dog Skip is a crucial canine flick that centers around the love between a boy and a dog and also stars Diane Lane , Kevin Bacon , and Luke Wilson . Based on the 1995 memoir by Morris, My Dog Skip is a timeless tale about how a furry friend can help a child grow, break free from their shell, and ultimately realize the power that lies deep within them . While the ending is inevitable and Willie must say goodbye to Skip, it ends on a hopeful note of gratitude and genuine appreciation for a special four-legged friend.

My Dog Skip

5 '101 dalmatians' (1961), directed by wolfgang reitherman, clyde geronimi, and hamilton luske.

When an aspiring songwriter, Roger ( Ben Wright ), and his dalmatian, Pongo ( Rod Taylor ) cross paths with a lovely woman, Anita ( Lisa Davis ), and her dalmatian, Perdita ( Cate Bauer ), it's love at first sight and Roger and Anita marry, ultimately bringing Pongo and Perdita together. When the dogs become proud parents of fifteen puppies, Antia's former fur-obsessed friend, Cruella De Vil ( Betty Lou Gerson ), offers to pay her for the puppies to use their fur, but Anita and Roger adamantly refuse, forcing DeVille to steal them.

Walt Disney's canine classic, 101 Dalmatians , is a beloved animated feature film based on the 1956 novel by the same name written by Dodie Smith . The film is encased in Disney's traditional frame of love between a family as well as the canine companion and was praised for its creative efforts and, as always, marvelous animation. While the Dalmatians are the focus of the film, Cruella De Vil is considered to be one of Disney's most intricate and clever villains and with a catchy sinister tune to go with her, it's easy to see why she remains at the forefront as one of Disney's most hated characters .

101 Dalmatians

The story of a family of Dalmatian puppies who are kidnapped by a terrible woman called Cruella De Vil, who is fascinated by fur coats and is determined to turn them into a coat.

4 'A Dog's Purpose' (2017)

Directed by lasse hallström.

Josh Gad provides the voice of a dog who wonders about the purpose of his existence and, in 1961, he is rescued by his first owner, Ethan Montgomery, a 9-year-old boy who loves him unconditionally for his entire life. When the dog dies, he is reincarnated each time and through the years, he bonds with a new owner and finally learns about the true meaning of his existence.

A Dog's Purpose is an intriguing take on the world from the perspective of a dog, giving audiences a touching glimpse into the influence and impact a dog can have on so many different lives. Even though the movie received mixed to negative reviews, it's impossible not to praise A Dog's Purpose and its sentimental value, heightened by a stunning musical score composed by Rachel Portman . Despite not being an everyday dog movie, A Dog's Purpose is still worth watching if not for the formula but for the heartwarming message it effortlessly conveys .

A Dog's Purpose

3 'turner & hooch' (1989), directed by roger spottiswoode.

Tom Hanks stars in Turner & Hooch as a by-the-book police detective, Scott Turner, who is preparing to be transferred from his small coastal California town to the big city where he can fight real crime. When a friend of Turner's, Amos Reed (J ohn McIntire ), is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, Turner is given custody of Amos' French Mastiff, Hooch, who is the only witness to the crime.

While the movie is both humorous and heartbreaking, Turner & Hooch is without question a quintessential dog movie that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. The film is essentially a canine twist on a dynamic similar to The Odd Couple, resulting in hilarious shenanigans and a relationship that mixes as well as water and vinegar, but through patience and understanding, it eventually finds its blend . The movie was a hit at the box office and aside from a few mixed reviews, Turner & Hooch was well received by audiences and critics, making it a top-tier canine classic.

Turner & Hooch

2 'marley & me' (2008), directed by david frankel.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star in Marley & Me as newlyweds, John and Jenny Grogan, who decide to adopt a yellow labrador puppy who they name Marley. As the couple go through the stages of life such as kids, moving, and major milestones, Marley is there for every single one, ensuring there's never a dull moment for the Grogan family.

Warning: Marley & Me will require plenty of tissues and potentially a dog (or several) in proximity for cuddles because this is one movie ending that will start the waterworks. The movie is based on the 2005 memoir by the same name written by John Grogan and also stars Kathleen Turner , Alan Arkin , and Ann Dowd . Aside from an ending that will make anyone an emotional mess, Marley & Me captures the ups and downs, humor, and overall experience of having a dog in your life as well as the everlasting paw print they leave on your heart forever .

Marley & Me (2008)

1 'hachi: a dog's tale' (2009), directed by lasse hollström.

When a professor, Parker Wilson ( Richard Gere ) finds a young dog abandoned at the train station, he takes him in just temporarily. As time passes and no one comes to claim the dog, he and his wife, Cate ( Joan Allen ) begin to warm up the Akita dog, named Hachi, who soon becomes part of the family. Wilson and Hachi eventually develop a routine that involves Hachi waiting for his owner every day at the train station to greet him and walking home with him, proving to be the utter symbol of loyalty.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a remake of the 1987 Japanese film, Hachikō Monogatari, and based on the true story of an Akita dog named Hachikō. The movie earned positive reviews from critics, including Christopher Lloyd of the Sarasota Herald Tribune , who gave the movie three out of four stars, stating that it is "unapologetically a tearjerker." Hachi: A Dog's Tale is another bittersweet rendition of a loyal companion who teaches others about the true meaning of love and loyalty, which continues to be passed down through his incredible story that is still celebrated today .

KEEP READING: 17 Sad Movies That Will Make Want to Hug Your Dog

Black Dog review – ex-con and stray dog bond in searching Chinese social drama

Two pariahs – Lang (Eddie Peng), a taciturn ex-convict carrying guilt over the death of a colleague, and a scrawny stray dog carrying (it’s rumoured) rabies – find a kinship in this Cannes prize-winning Chinese drama. It’s a change of pace for director Guan Hu , best known for his blockbuster second world war epic The Eight Hundred (2020).

The location of this excellent, deliberately understated picture is key to the story: a blighted, partially abandoned town on the wind-lashed fringes of the Gobi desert in the north-west of the country, it’s a place that seems drained of everything, even colour. The striking widescreen photography looks as though it is etched in monochromes. But perhaps even more significant is when the film is set. The story unfolds just before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a time of accelerated reinvention and redevelopment in China. The country is looking to the future – one that might not have a place for strays and outcasts such as the man and the mutt he befriends.

Lang returns to his home town to discover that his 10-year prison sentence has not erased him from the memories of the remaining townsfolk. Some offer him respect and free noodles in recognition of his former celebrity (he was a rock musician and a motorcycle stunt performer); others, such as local snake-meat farmer Butcher Hu, nurture longstanding grudges.

Peng’s performance is physically rather than verbally expressive – he has barely more lines of dialogue than the dog – but Lang’s arc of redemption is explored with heart and humour.

In UK and Irish cinemas

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Release date

30 th August 2024

After he’s released from prison for manslaughter, Lang (Eddie Peng) returns to his hometown, which lies on the edge of the Gobi desert. The town is a decaying concrete jungle of abandoned buildings scheduled to be demolished and overrun with stray dogs, with a skinny black dog believed to have rabies being a particular nuisance. While assigned to help a team of dog catchers as part of his parole, Lang finds himself forming an unlikely bond with the titular canine as he tries to settle back into his life.

The most striking part of Guan Hu’s Black Dog is its stunning visuals. Shot in washed-out greys that make the desert sand look like fallen ash, the film has the feel of a post-apocalyptic Western mixed with crime noir. Despite signage around the town advertising the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics, the sparse streets and abandoned homes and businesses make it feel just as empty as the surrounding desert with its jagged cliffs and dusty roads. Part of the pleasure of watching this feature is soaking in the rich atmosphere, and with Lang being a mostly silent observer of the unfolding events, it’s as if he’s taking in the sights alongside viewers.

In addition to the urban decay and the cruelty and corruption of the dog catchers, Lang likewise witnesses a collection of strange events that add a sense of surrealness to the script. From a snake vendor who wills fate to kill Lang to avenge his nephew’s death to a burgeoning romance with a free-spirited circus performer (Tong Liya) and a zoo with only a handful of remaining animals, these darkly comic moments add another compelling layer to Lang’s return home.

Hu’s newest film is far more than exquisite visuals, though. Underneath the moody film-noir aesthetic lies a heartfelt allegory about finding belonging in a conformist society. Both Lang and his four-legged companion are both rebellious outsiders within the small community. Their bond gives each of them a newfound happiness that tugs at the heartstrings in a way only a film about canine companionship can accomplish.

Set against a beautifully shot desert backdrop that sprinkles in moments of surrealism, Hu’s Black Dog is a remarkable tale of companionship that hits in all the right spots.

Andrew Murray

Black Dog is released nationwide on 30 th August 2024.

Watch the trailer for Black Dog here:

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