The Hilarious Misadventures of Strays: A R-Rated Comedy That Outshines Iconic Dog Movies

Summary

Strays has received mixed reviews from critics, with a score of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience score is more positive at 73%.

In contrast to beloved dog movies such as Old Yeller and Lassie, Strays falls disappointingly short due to its explicit and provocative storyline, likely to catch some viewers off guard.

The conflicting opinions among critics stem from Strays addressing unsettling themes of animal mistreatment, while other highly praised dog films maintain a heartwarming and endearing atmosphere that resonates with a broader spectrum of viewers.

The Rotten Tomatoes score for Strays offers a comparison to other well-known dog films, showcasing its unique and edgy comedic twist. Despite featuring an adorable talking dog named Reggie (played by Will Ferrell), the comedy takes a darkly humorous turn as Reggie and a group of foul-mouthed stray dogs seek revenge on Reggie's owner for abandoning him.

Since its premiere on August 18, Strays has received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 54% based on 128 reviews. Critical reviews are evenly mixed, while the audience score is a more positive 73%. Although it falls short compared to classic dog films like Old Yeller, Lassie, 101 Dalmatians, and Lady and the Tramp, which have scores ranging from 88% to 100%, Strays' score aligns closely with more recent dog films like Marley and Me (63%) and A Dog's Purpose (35%).

Why Strays Doesn't Stack Up Against The Most Iconic Dog Movies

Voices of Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park in Strays

Strays fails to measure up to iconic dog movies like Lassie and Old Yeller, often coming across as overly sentimental or melodramatic. While movies like Dog attempt to incorporate edgier humor, they still pale in comparison to Strays' crude and explicit premise. Consequently, Strays may come as a shock to certain viewers.

Some viewers may appreciate the unique premise and superficial entertainment value of Strays, as long as they don't take it too seriously. However, others may feel uncomfortable with the film's depiction of animal abuse and the portrayal of dogs' less attractive instincts and behaviors. This accounts for the divisive opinions among critics. Conversely, highly acclaimed dog movies typically offer a family-friendly, light-hearted, and adorable tone that enhances the viewing experience.

Dog movies like Lassie, Old Yeller, and 101 Dalmatians became popular due to their endearing nature, nostalgic elements, and ability to warm the hearts of diverse audiences. However, Strays, with its unconventional and raunchy humor, targets a specific niche market, which makes it even more challenging to find success. Furthermore, the inclusion of dogs in the film adds an additional hurdle, as people have strong emotions towards their beloved pets. Consequently, Strays' relatively average Rotten Tomatoes score reflects the risky nature of its hit-or-miss concept, in contrast to the universally appealing scores of iconic dog films.