The Rotten Tomatoes score for Strays reveals how the R-rated comedy compares to the reception of other iconic dog films. While movies about dogs are not usual, Strays manifests a raunchy twist. While it follows the adventures of an adorable talking dog, Reggie (Will Ferrell), the comedy takes a darkly comedic turn when he and a group of foul-mouthed strays set out to get vengeance on Reggie’s owner for abandoning him.
Followings its premiere on August 18, Strays‘ Rotten Tomatoes score currently sits at 54% based on 128 reviews. While critical reviews are almost evenly mixed, the audience score is a more positive 73%. The 54% critics score isn’t as high as the most iconic dog films, such as Old Yeller, Lassie, 101 Dalmatians, and Lady and the Tramp. Their Rotten Tomatoes scores range from 88% to 100%. However, compared to more recent dog films, such as Marley and Me, which boasts a score of 63%, and A Dog’s Purpose, which has a score of 35%, Strays‘ score is pretty similar.
Why Strays Doesn’t Stack Up Against The Most Iconic Dog Movies
It’s not hard to see why Strays doesn’t stack up against the most iconic dog movies. Most modern-day dog movies are not comparable to the likes of Lassie and Old Yeller and often come across as too sappy or melodramatic. Dramas, such as Dog, try to be a little more edgy and comedic but don’t compare to Strays‘ raunchy and vulgar premise. As a result, Strays might come as a shock to some viewers.
Some audience members will enjoy the unique premise and surface-level entertainment, as long as they don’t take Strays too seriously. However, some moviegoers might be uncomfortable with the topics of animal abuse that are touched on in the movie and see the less-pretty side of dogs’ instincts and behaviors. This explains the divisiveness among critics. In contrast, the more highly acclaimed dog movies have a family-friendly, light-hearted, and adorable tone, which makes the viewing experience more pleasing.
Dog movies, including Lassie, Old Yeller, and 101 Dalmatians, flourished because of their sweetness, nostalgia, and warmth appeal to nearly all audiences. Strays, with its particular form of raunchy humor, is going for a niche market that is already going to be hard to hit. Adding dogs into the mix, considering how strongly some feel for their furry friends, only adds to the difficulty of hitting its target. Hence, Strays‘ fairly average Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its rather risky hit-or-miss premise, while the scores of more iconic dog films reflect their universal appeal.
