If you’ve heard there’s a new movie out about a group of adventuring dogs trying to find their way home and you’re thinking: ‘This could be lovely little film for the whole family!’ It isn’t. In fact, far from it.
The story focuses around Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve-but-lovable canine abandoned on the mean streets by his obnoxious owner, Doug (Will Forte). The pup soon meets a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier (Jamie Foxx) and his gang of strays – who teach Reggie how to survive out in the cruel world.
Once the reality hits him that he was chucked out like a ‘piece of trash’, he embarks on an epic revenge-fuelled adventure to punish his former owner. Yes, this is Homeward Bound on acid!
Let me start by saying that if you're easily offended by bad language, Strays won’t be for you. During my screening, one viewer seemed unprepared for this and walked out after about the hundredth F-bomb! It is profanity-laden. And thank goodness this particular individual didn’t stick around for the dog ‘orgy’ – yes you heard me right!
If the thought of an adult spin on a typically innocent family focused genre – much like 2016’s Sausage Party – brings a smile to your face, you’ll likely get a kick out of this.
The film doesn’t shy away from delivering jokes that are shockingly edgy and provocative. But it’s important to note that not all of these jokes land successfully, with some falling flat and feeling forced.
However, due to sheer frequency of these gags, just as you’re about to groan about one – you find yourself unexpectedly laughing out loud at another.
It’s this controversial humour that injects life and entertainment into an otherwise formulaic paint-by-numbers storyline. Had there been a little more ‘meat on the bone’ in terms of the story itself, this could have been an instant classic.
That being said, despite its lack of narrative innovation, I really enjoyed Strays through its bright and breezy run-time.
If you share a similar twisted sense of humour to myself, book your tickets now – as this is barking mad!
ESP Rating: 3.5/5
Mikey Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Brett Gelman, Rob Riggle, Josh Gad, Sofia Vergara & Will Forte
Running Time: 1 Hr 33 Mins
Director: Josh Greenbaum
Go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux