User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

The movie wasn't great, but wasn't totally bad. It had a good message. The acting wasn't top notch, and the dog is hardly in the movie. Some tears at the end

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

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.