Movie Review: #TheStray

Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the movie, The Stray, distributed by Purdie Distribution. (Disclaimer: I was provided free tickets and compensation for my review, but the opinions expressed are my own.) What an exciting time! I sat on a bench across from the carpet and watched the stars--including Shiloh, the dog--walk the red carpet prior to the screening. A woman sat down next to me, and I discovered she is the mother of Enoch Ellis, one of the child actors. She mentioned how she carefully reads the scripts before allowing her son to accept a role, and how happy she was with the script of The Stray.

Photo: Shiloh, a medium-large, mostly-white dog with one blue eye, sits on the red carpet at the premiere of The Stray

After watching the movie, I understood her delight. The Stray is a true story about a young family and a dog that showed up one day. The story is sweet, but not sappy. (You might want to pack a tissue or two, though.) The message of love, faith, and family comes through in an authentic way--the meaning is shown, but not beaten into the audience.

The film is rated PG for thematic elements, although I have viewed G-rated movies that were much more intense and frightening (Wizard of Oz, for example). Parents need not be concerned about their children being exposed to foul language; at worst, kids might giggle over "meadow muffins." The Stray certainly qualifies as family-friendly, but even adults will enjoy the film. Sarah Lancaster as Michelle Davis and Michael Cassidy as Mitch Davis show how to work through a problem without attacking a person. They have a sweet chemistry that rings true.

Photo: Sarah Lancaster and Michael Cassidy sit at a table to sign autographs after the premiere of The Stray

In short, The Stray is a feel-good, true-story film that the whole family will enjoy. This film proves they still make 'em like they used to.

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