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Sandra Reid

Sandra is an entrepreneur and community supporter and participant of El Paso's The Black Roundtable.

Strays the Movie: A Whimsical Romp through Doggy Delights and Human Hilarity

August 17, 2023 by Sandra Reid

Rating: 8/10

This movie revolves around Reggie, an affectionate dog, who experienced multiple instances of abandonment by his owner, Doug, ultimately leading to changes in the dog’s life.  

In the heartwarming yet uproariously hilarious movie Strays, director Josh Greenbaum takes us on a captivating journey that explores the world of dogs, their quirky personalities, and the often-baffling dynamics between humans and their loyal companions. Anchored by a unique premise and bolstered by endearing performances, Strays delivers a distinctive blend of comedy, heart, and a dash of canine charm and a surprise cameo. 

The movie offers a refreshing take on the timeless bond between humans and their four-legged friends. While the film initially appears to be a tale of abandoned dogs struggling for survival, it quickly evolves into a heartwarming exploration of the varied relationships that can form between dogs and their owners. The film’s strength lies in its clever interpretation of the canine-human connection, weaving together stories of canine misfits and the peculiar ways they impact humans. However, the film’s explicit and audacious humor, centered around dog antics and revenge, could make some viewers uncomfortable. 

Strays engages by drawing viewers into the genuine reactions of humans to their dog counterparts. Predictable elements are balanced with unexpected twists that keep the audience entertained. The

storytelling effectively conveys the movie’s central theme – that dogs profoundly impact human lives despite their naughty behavior. Through a mix of dog-like and human-like reactions, the narrative paints a charming and relatable portrait of the bond between species.

The film’s central characters, four lovable dogs and their human owner Doug (played by the talented Will Forte) are the heart and soul of “Strays.” Each dog – from the opinionated Boston terrier Bug (voiced by Oscar® Jamie Foxx) to the misunderstood Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell) – brings a unique perspective to the story. Their motivations and arcs are crafted with believable depth, capitalizing on human emotions while maintaining a canine authenticity. 

The standout performances of the movie come from its canine stars. Enhanced with impressive animation, the dogs display a convincing blend of dog-like mannerisms and human-like expressiveness. These lifelike portrayals bring heart and humor to the narrative, with each dog capturing its distinct personality flawlessly. While the ending’s climax may have felt a bit messy, it doesn’t diminish the overall enchanting performances of the four-legged cast. 

Strays skillfully captures the world from a dog’s perspective, seamlessly

transitioning between urban and rural landscapes. This unique approach adds to the film’s overall atmosphere and draws the audience deeper into the canine experience. The visually striking scenes, such as the dogs’ encounter with mind-altering mushrooms, offer a memorable and whimsical touch. 

Greenbaum masterfully brings the story to life by blending real dogs with sophisticated animation techniques. Seamlessly integrating the canine characters into the human world creates a captivating and immersive viewing experience. The director’s choices enhance the film’s charm, turning a seemingly simple concept into a delightful exploration of doggy adventures and human foibles. 

The film’s engaging dialogue offers a mix of predictability and unexpected humor, ensuring that viewers are entertained throughout. It effectively contributes to character development, allowing each dog’s distinct personality to shine. The script perfectly balances humor and drama, highlighting the sometimes-comical disparities between human and dog perspectives. 

Strays maintains an engaging pace by skillfully transitioning between scenes and characters. The editing enhances the flow of the narrative, ensuring that viewers remain invested in the dogs’ various escapades. Though there are moments of unpredictability, such as the hawk’s unexpected appearance, these elements contribute to the movie’s overall charm. 

Overall, Strays is a delightful comedy that offers a fresh and imaginative take on the human-dog relationship. While its explicit and daring humor may not be for everyone, those who approach the movie with an open mind and a penchant for canine antics are in for an entertaining treat. The film’s unique blend of heart, humor, and canine charm makes it a standout addition to the genre, appealing to adults who appreciate a dose of lighthearted irreverence. 

The target audience for “Strays” consists of adults, both pet owners and

non-pet owners, seeking a one-of-a-kind comedy experience. The film’s

fantastical portrayal of dogs and humans and its explicit humor may resonate particularly with those willing to embrace its offbeat and playful approach. 

Strays comes highly recommended for those seeking a dose of laughter and heart in a unique cinematic package. Its engaging characters, whimsical storytelling, and impressive canine performances will leave a lasting impression. While the film’s explicit moments may be polarizing, approaching it with a sense of humor akin to a dog’s perspective can lead to a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. 

Rating: 8/10 Strays earns a solid 8 for its entertainment value, innovative concept, and seamless blend of doggy charm with human follies. While the film’s explicit humor may not suit everyone, its overall impact and portrayal of the human-dog relationship make it a delightful addition to comedy cinema.

Sandra Reid

Filed Under: Movies

Is It Time Yet?

January 3, 2022 by Sandra Reid

Is it time yet? May 21, 1971, Marvin Gaye asked us, and sang What’s Going On?  Here we are 50 plus years later asking the same question.  Maybe we got so caught up in the smooth soul piercing rhythm and melody  of the song that we missed it, but it was/is right there in front us, “You know we’ve got to find a way, To bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh, For only love can conquer hate, oh oh oh, Talk to me, so you can see…Oh, what’s going on”

Talk to me, we all have so many of the same concerns, but the only way to fix them is to talk, really talk and listen to one another. Maybe if we all came into the room blindfolded, we would talk and listen first without getting caught up in the visual prejudices of who is speaking to us. You probably think I am talking about prejudices like color, race, black and white.  Nope. There are leaders, yes leaders, that don’t listen nor show up simply because John, I Can’t Stand Him Doe will be there.  Remember Marvin Gaye’s words tell us, “You know we’ve got to find a way, to bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh For only love can conquer hate.”  

We shouldn’t lose by focusing on petty things that will stop us from reaching our positive goals for humanity.  Again, 50 years plus ago… I was watching Star Trek. The USS Enterprise had landed on a planet where the people were literally black on one side and white on the other and they could not talk to nor get along with the other people who were white on one side and black on the other.  The planet was dying because it needed resources from to survive.  That concept has stuck with me since I was a child.  

My question is What’s Going On?  Are we strengthening our goals by supporting each, bringing our talents, skills, experiences, and financial gains together to advance a sustainable impact towards building up our communities?  Or are we being black on one side white on the other while putting down the white on one side black on the other?  

To accomplish our united goals, we must come together.  Solid strength comes from positive representation of united numbers in individuals, leaders, businesses, organizations, churches, politicians, serving as positive representation of our needs here on the border.  As we ask for support from others, we must remember to ask ourselves, are we also supportive? 

Find a source to share advancing information, meetings, events with each other, otherwise we will never really know what’s goin on. 

Com’ on… bring some lovin’ here today…Talk to me, so WE can see “Oh, what’s going on.”

Sandra Reid

Filed Under: Community Voices

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