The Stray

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.

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.

I am a sucker for dog stories and true stories and when you put the two together, to me, it's magical. I just finished watching "The Stray" on DVD after finding it at Walmart. I had not heard of it before, but the cover reeled me in. Unfortunately, I am not surprised at the negative reviews here because there will always be those who will find the negative in anything. I guess I am more of a "glass-is-half-full" person. I found this to be a very sweet and touching story, even though there is a scene toward the end that was a little difficult to watch. At the same time, it is life, and sometimes life itself can be difficult to get through, and it's what we do at those times that brings out our true character. If you would like something to help lift you up and give your faith a bit of a boost, in addition to some beautiful scenery, you can't go wrong with this little gem of a movie. It simply touched me.

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.

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.