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STRAYS Blu-ray Review



The Film

STRAYS is a raucous and irreverent comedy that takes the concept of a dog movie to a place its never been before. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar" (if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and remedy that immediately), this film is a hilarious R-rated romp that offers a refreshing twist on the typical dog-centric narrative. With a star-studded cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell, Will Forte, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, and Brett Gelman, STRAYS boasts an A-list lineup of comedic talent both in front of and behind the camera.

The film follows Reggie (Will Ferrell), an unsuspecting pup who initially believes he's playing an innocent game of fetch with his owner Doug (Will Forte). However, Reggie's world is turned upside down when he encounters Bug (Jamie Foxx), a streetwise stray who reveals that having an owner is for suckers and that Doug intentionally abandoned him in the big city. As Reggie joins forces with Bug, along with other mischievous canine companions portrayed by Isla Fisher and Randall Park, their mission becomes clear: to get back at Doug for his callous actions.

What sets STRAYS apart is its commitment to being wildly absurd and irreverent. This movie is not your typical heartwarming dog tale; instead, it revels in the over-the-top antics of its four-legged protagonists. The concept of these dogs seeking revenge against their owner may sound outrageous, but that's precisely what makes it so entertaining. The film leans into its R-rating, delivering humor that's at times raunchy and always unexpected.

The ensemble cast is the Purina that fuels STRAYS, with each actor bringing their comedic chops to the forefront. Will Ferrell's Reggie undergoes a transformation from a cute and naive pup to a cunning and scheming dog with a vengeance. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Bug is street-smart and witty, providing a perfect foil to Ferrell's character. Isla Fisher and Randall Park add to the mayhem with their quirky and humorous performances.

STRAYS is a delightful departure from the traditional dog movie formula. It subverts expectations and goes to great lengths to provide laughs, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy offbeat comedies. With its talented cast and imaginative storyline, this film offers a tail-riffic adventure that is both ridiculous and entertaining. 

Special Features

The special features on the STRAYS Blu-ray offer an insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the making of this unique and irreverent comedy. Here's a breakdown of what viewers can expect from these bonus features:

  • Talk Like a Dog - Meet the humans behind the dogs: This feature provides a fascinating glimpse into the transformation that the talented cast underwent to bring their canine characters to life. Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park discuss the process of getting into the "canine mindset" to voice their roles. It's a delightful exploration of the creative and comedic challenges they faced, and fans of the film will appreciate the dedication these actors put into their performances.

  • The Ultimate Treat: Making STRAYS: This feature takes viewers on a journey with the filmmakers and cast, offering a comprehensive look at the process of bringing "Strays" to the big screen. It's a behind-the-scenes tour that allows audiences to share in the joy, challenges, and creative choices made during the production. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the filmmaking process and the collaborative effort that goes into creating a unique comedy like "Strays."

  • Poop, Booms, and Shrooms: This feature dives into the technical challenges of filming scenes with non-human actors, which, in this case, happen to be dogs. It sheds light on the complexities of orchestrating some of the film's most memorable and humorous sequences. From coordinating canine action to dealing with unexpected surprises on set, this feature provides a fun and informative perspective on the filmmaking process.

  • Will Forte: STRAY Actor: Will Forte, who plays the despised owner Doug, takes center stage in this feature. Viewers get to sit down with Forte as he discusses his role and what it's like to portray a character everyone loves to hate. Filmmakers and castmates join in to share their insights into why Forte was the perfect fit for this role, making it a well-rounded exploration of his contribution to the film.

  • Training to be STRAY: Ever wondered how filmmakers get dogs to perform on-screen? This feature reveals the creative methods used by trainers to elicit the hilarious and sometimes outrageous behaviors from the canine actors. It's a fun and eye-opening look at the training process that contributed to the film's comedic success.

  • A New Best Friend: Director Josh Greenbaum's personal connection to the film shines through in this feature. It explores the undeniable bond between humans and dogs and reveals how Greenbaum couldn't resist bringing a stray dog from the set home with him. It's a heartwarming and personal touch that adds depth to the overall viewing experience.

  • Feature commentary with Director/Producer Josh Greenbaum and Screenwriter/Producer Dan Perrault: For those who enjoy a deeper dive into the filmmaking process, this commentary track offers valuable insights from the director and screenwriter. It's a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the creative choices, inspirations, and challenges faced during the production.

The special features on the STRAYS Blu-ray provide a well-rounded and entertaining package for fans of the film. From the actors' transformations into canine characters to the technical challenges of filming with dogs, these bonus materials offer a delightful behind-the-scenes look that enhances the overall viewing experience. Whether you're a die-hard fan of STRAYS or simply curious about the creative process behind the movie, these features are sure to provide both laughs and insights.

Don't miss STRAYS when it streams on Peacock on October 6, 2023, or when you can own the Unleashed Edition with extra tail-wagging features on Digital and Blu-ray/DVD on October 6 and October 10, 2023, respectively.

Would you like a free digital copy of STRAYS? Simply follow The Following Films Podcast on Spotify and send a screenshot to chris@followingfilms.com

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