The Stray (2017) User Reviews

How to do a dog movie wrong

[bonesbaby33 · 4/10 · 10 September 2018]

I normally love dog movies. Even though the dog almost always dies in the end, I love them. Ugly tears. I don't care.

This movie was so weirdly directed/written and poorly acted (Sarah Lancaster is the only one who acts decently) that I just wanted it to end. The dog was hardly in the movie at all. The rude neighbor in Colorado seemed to have no point other than to be a rude neighbor. The dialogue was unnatural all around. The location and most of the cinematography was nicely done and the dog was cute, but that's about the only good thing I have to say about this movie.

A lot of sadness in one movie

[rockinannie · 4/10 · 15 November 2019]

For starters this is not a feel good movie so if you feel gloomy and want to see something happy this is probably not a good choice but if your the type who like gloomy movies well then maybe it is for you. Well it started out kinda slow at 1st and I was wondering what else could really happen in it cuz I wasn't really getting into it. Then the main plot came and that part the dog was killed by lightning. The story is about the Davis family and Mitch Davis the father is a busy man to busy for his 3 kids a son and 2 toddler daughters and his wife. Then the stray dog comes into the life of the son Christian and the dog him become friends. They then move out of California and to Colorado cuz Mrs. Davis thinks that Mitch should more focus on his dream in becoming a real script writer and after moving him and his son have a cold relation ship. Mitch tries to now be nice to Christian but after years of neglect from his father he now won't except him. Mitch organizes a camping trip with 2 other boys and thinks this could make the bond between him and his son closer but on the trip a storm comes and kills the stray dog and Mitch is struck so hard the boys think he was killed too. The boys were struck by lightning to but it didn't really faze them cuz they were knocked out and just came back perfect in a moment or so. Christian tells his dad he is sorry and he comes back to life or something I didn't totally get that part and it seems to be shows to long I think in the dark tent and then they carry the dead dog through the woods and now Mitch is well enough he can walk through the woods hauling a large dog on his back. The movie ends with the dog being buried.

Just too sad

[dizznmo · 4/10 · 24 November 2019]

I'm not bothered at all about the religious some call undertones but it's a true story and the family believes in God. Tired of people judging harshly because a movie may include themes about God, get over it and maybe a little God and prayer might bring you peace. I would give it a much higher rating as it was very heartfelt but I planned on a day of happy dog movies today needing a boost and it left me heartbroken as if I just lost my own dog. Maybe it can help parents teach their kids about loss or they could have traumatized kids to deal with. If you are looking for a feel good dog film check out A Dogs Way Home, I watched that before this and had happy tears that have turned into just plain sad! I think the film makers should be honest no happy ending for Pluto other than heaven😢

One of the Worst Movies Ever

[arfdawg-1 · 1/10 · 15 February 2018]

The story of how a stray dog, Pluto, comes out of nowhere and impacts the Davis family, who are struggling in many ways. In just a short time, Pluto the Wonderdog manages to save a toddler, bring comfort and companionship to a hurting 9-year old boy, help restore a marriage, and repair a broken father-son relationship. Pluto is not only a guard dog - he is a guardian angel.

Yet and he freaking DIES.

This movie is horribly written, the acting is even worse and the direction sucks. The guy who this is supposedly based on has ZERO talent.

OMG here's an example Son: Pluto (the Dog) died. Father: Oh.

OH?????

This movie traumatized my 11 year old. Stay away.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen.

[pguzik-73666 · 1/10 · 14 February 2018]

One day I was looking at Redbox, and saw this movie. Now, I had a free coupon, so I ordered it and picked it up. It was absolutely terrible. I'm glad I got it for free, but I had a WHOLE MONTH to choose a movie, and I chose this!? This movie is so bad, I have to show everything in sections!

Plot: This wasn't a terrible plot, I guess. I mean, it's been done before, bridging a gap between father and son because dad works to much, dog makes family happy again, all that crap. The thing is, they drag it out much much longer than needed, and eventually it gets boring. The only different thing was dad, kid, kids friends, and dog (Pluto) went hiking and were all struck by lightning, and bye-bye Pluto. But even that was ruined by acting!

Acting: Oof! Where to start!? Well, the dad was the worst actor in the movie, along with the kid. The kids friends were pretty bad too. The mom was okay. Even the baby was a better actor then the dad. But all around, the best actor of the movie was the dog, which is sad.

Humor: Very little humor, but when it's there, it's pretty bad, or badly timed. For example, when they all get struck by lightning. After a minute, everyone wakes up except for Pluto. A minute after that, there's a badly acted, unfunny, unnecessary poop joke.

All in all, this is a VERY bad movie, and I recommend it to ABSOLUTELY NOBODY.

Looks like an indie movie, but vert good

[taylormhertzberg-44735 · 7/10 · 27 June 2018]

Great for anyone who loves dogs. The actors are mediocre at best, but the story line is well written. All about how a dog can save a marriage, family and life. This is a family movie for all ages to watch together or for an adult to watch alone, like I did haha. Highly recommend for a family friendly, good-hearted movie about a dog rescuing it's family.

Horrible. Not even a dog movie!

[spencerm-1 · 1/10 · 15 February 2018]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever had to sit through in my 54 years. Unintelligent dribble. There are 2 or 3 times that the dog actually interacts as part of the story. There is more script about the dog at it's funeral than in the entire rest of the movie. If you are looking for a sappy movie about a struggling writer this is for you. Notice I said movie, not story. I am still trying to figure out exactly what story was being told in this movie.

Filmed in Utah not Colorado.

[blue-7 · 9/10 · 9 October 2017]

Several reviews that I have read comment on how beautiful T. C. Christensen's camera work makes Colorado look without realizing that THE STRAY was filmed in Utah. That's okay though as Utah has stood in for many spots in the world and even outer space. THE STRAY is a fine family film based on the actual experience of the director. I thoroughly enjoyed it while my wife found it to be a little slow. The acting is fine and the dog delightful. I would think that dog lovers will enjoy the film and will agree that the right dog can be life changing. The above was written after seeing the film in the theater. Just finished watching the Blu-ray and was even more impressed with the stunning cinematography. Michael Cassidy and Sarah Lancaster are especially good as a husband and wife who are trying to find the right balance for their life together and their children. Knowing that this is a true story of the film's director (Mitch Davis) adds a special dimension to the film. I can certainly identify with the effect that a dog can have on a family as one recently came into my families life and has been a wonderful influence to us.

Don't watch the movie

[maybethemoon · 12 July 2018]

Don't watch the movie .... Can't believe the dog dies.... My all time worst movie was Old Yellow now I will ad this one to the list.... Don't kill pets in a movie

Good Movie

[strawberrykelvin · 6/10 · 8 February 2018]

This is a pretty solid movie. It is not as bad as some of the reviews here said and not as good as some of the reviews here said. Although my girlfriend liked more than me. Both of us teared up.

Turns out the movie is some religious BS

[lethalfighter-58437 · 1/10 · 14 March 2018]

Nowhere in the summary did I read that this movie was some BS plot to show the world "gods" amazing revival skills in an extremely unrealistic plot about a son hating his terrible and absent father.

Great Family Film

[kylestapleyfilmbuff · 9/10 · 6 October 2017]

I really enjoyed this film as did my children. It was great to go to a movie that we could all enjoy together. It even got me to tear up a little. The Colorado vistas were stunning. The cinematography was beautiful as was the music. I am not super religious so I was worried about the faith elements of the film, but it wasn't too much. Nothing that I wouldn't do in a similar situation.

Underrated

[humpy-06906 · 7/10 · 10 November 2018]

No this is not the best movie you will ever see nor the worst. The story was one that people on every level can connect too. It is underrated in it's storytelling and emotion, but also what is in the hearts of the characters.

Boooooo! Garbage plot. Not a dog movie. Weird religious undertones and a true tradgedy of a movie.

[daddinrinn · 1/10 · 5 June 2018]

Seriously a Garbage plot. Wanted this movie to be heartwarming and family friendly. But ended with nothing of the sort.

Weird religious undertones throughout and a terrible cast that reflect artistic disfunction in almost all scenes; a true tradgedy of a movie.

The dog was in the movie for 4 scenes. Not a dog movie!!!! Then dies. And the Dad.... what a tool!!!

Not a good film, not good for the Family. Don't waste the money or time....

Pretty bad movie.

[rsmith1960 · 2/10 · 18 March 2018]

There was a lot to dislike about this movie. I am a dog lover but from the 1st scene till the tent scene the director had the dog barking constantly, you'd have to be an idiot to allow your dog to do this. After a short time I almost muted it. Terrible script and the only thing that made this movie worthwhile was the sexy Sarah Landcaster. I will recommend to anyone asking that instead of watching this go & watch some paint dry it was more believable & interesting

Dog dies, dad is dumb awful just awful...

[unclelouieart · 1/10 · 10 October 2017]

Do Not take kids to see the new movie: Stray.. unless you want your kids to see a nice dog killed by lightning. The dad takes kids on a trip, he gets hit by the lightning and the kids too. Dog dies...He then is paralyzed over night and warns the kids if he dies they should find there way back miles to the car and wait until someone finds them... One kid has shat himself, but he doesn't tell the kid to clean up, instead he tells him to go to sleep in his sleeping bag ( I crap you not ) he lives, dead dog still int he tent, and they schlep the dog dog out, and.... when he brings the kids back to their homes, he doesn't get out of the car to tell their folks what happened! He drops them off and drives away! I will have nightmares.

Horrible

[chincheker · 1/10 · 7 February 2018]

After watching this movie I had to put my DVD player on suicide watch. I should not have been jealous that the dog died and did not have to make it to the end

More than just a movie - A precious gift to cherish

[Shilohbloo · 10/10 · 20 October 2017]

This is a beautiful, heartwarming, inspirational true story of an incredible stray dog who comes to save a family in more ways than one. An absolute must-see. I am thankful to have accidentally come across this precious little gem in my local theater, as it is only a limited release in very few areas. I cried both times, tears of hopeful joy, abounding love. I took my sister-in-law the second time, and out came the tissues. If you miss the big screen, make sure to purchase the DVD when it comes out, as this is a heartfelt treasure you will want to enjoy over and over and over again.

Furiously Boring!

[Jazzie-too · 1/10 · 7 March 2018]

I can not believe this actually is called a movie! I rented it because I love dog stories and expected an amazing story. There are enough reviews here with "spoilers' to tell you about the "story", excuse me, there is NO story. On top of that, there is no acting. Drivil. Silliness. I kept thinking, "ok, wait, something is going to develop...." Nothing. More drivil! Just the stupidest story ever to be made into a movie. If I had the energy and years left, I could write a story of my favorite cow/pet and two favorites dogs, that really were an inspirational story that profoundly intercepted my life. I give 9's and 10's to most Hallmark movies. I'm a sucker for warm and fuzzy with a point or conclusion. Here, nothing. I could also comment on a certain odor that would have been present, based on my personal experience, but chose to forego.

surprising

[jacklacey-30962 · 10/10 · 21 October 2017]

I was pleasantly surprised by the stray. My thirteen year old daughter and wife wanted to see it and I got dragged along. I wasn't expecting much, but ended really enjoying the film. It was an emotional movie, but it didn't feel manipulative like some other dog films. It felt like an honest telling of an important event is these people lives and the dog was a big part of it.

Bad Movie

[cologuy-19549 · 1/10 · 13 October 2017]

This is possibly the worst movie I've ever seen. Bad acting. Bad story line. It's hard to believe that when they finished the filming and took a look at the final product, that they said "Yep - this is good!". It's an awful movie in my opinion. They took some nice scenery, apparently in Utah, not Colorado, where the movie is set, and ruined it with a lame movie. Don't waste your time and money!

Horrible

[v_stargirl · 1/10 · 16 February 2018]

The only good thing about this movie was Pluto the dog and then he gets killed off. Horrible acting, horrible plot. Very disappointing. I was so excited when this came out, total waste of time. Haven't watched such bad acting for a very long time.

Misleading title /Religious movie

[ktryna-31401 · 2/10 · 4 September 2018]

Wow. what a bad movie! This movie is really not about the dog at all. The dog doesn't even get a lot of screen time. It's basically a thinly disguised religious movie. The plot is more about people praying and having their prayers answered (without any human effort) than the dog. This is a really good movie for Sunday school, nothing else. The dog was cute and a good animal actor. The human actors were all wooden. I felt no true sorrow from any of the actors for the dog's death, especially not the kids and it was THEIR dog! It was as if they were saying "Oh that's so sad the dog died, but Dad, who has ignored us up until now, is ok, so we are totally ok". I wanted to quit halfway through, but I have some obsessive need to finish all movies and books no matter how bad. At least give the movie a title that lets us know it's a religious movie, not a dog movie! Who gives this stuff a 9 or 10 star rating? The writer's/Director's personal friends and family? Preachers? People who like the moral overtones, but know nothing about good movies or acting? got 2 stars from me just because, yes there is an actual weak plot and he dog was great and I've still seen worse movies......"Skyline" I'm talking to you!

snowflake review

[locdaddy · 1/10 · 5 April 2019]

Because it's a dog being a hero everybody give it 9 at its lowest

Great movie for dog lovers

[kenishajenkins · 10/10 · 15 December 2017]

I loved this movie. It was an honest portrayal of a family's love for their dog. It was an incredible true story. The images were beautiful. I also loved the music. Cat Steven's is the best. It was a little cheesy in the humor department at times, but my nine year old son ate it up so I understand why it was there. Won't be for everyone, but if you love warm-hearted dog movies like I do then I highly recommend.