Max

Films where animals, especially dogs, are the main focus have always pulled at audience’s heartstrings and Max is no exception. In fact, Max goes for the double whammy by bringing patriotism and the military into the picture. How can you not fall in love with a dog in uniform, right?

Max is a Belgian Malinois that has been trained by the military to assist the troops in Afghanistan to sniff out bombs or weapon caches. During an unfortunate mission, Max’s soldier trainer and best friend, Kyle (Robbie Amell), is killed in action. Max returns home from duty, but suffers from PTSD and becomes unresponsive to commands. Facing being put down, Max is put into the care of Kyle’s younger brother Justin (Josh Wiggins), the only person who he seems to respond to.  The two form a lasting friendship and bond as they grieve the loss of a loved one.

Max is your typical heartfelt story about a boy and his dog that’s meant to pull at your emotions, and it does so quite successfully. Max is an adorable and well trained dog, there’s no question about it. There are plenty of moments that make you go, “awwww” as Max bonds with Justin and the two become inseparable. It’s difficult not to fall in love with him.

The story itself is rather generic, however. Justin is rather standoffish initially, but Max helps him deal with the loss of his brother. Meanwhile, there’s an entire subplot dealing with one of Kyle’s friend and fellow soldier, Tyler (Luke Kleintank), who has also returned from service, but has more nefarious plans to sell weapons to criminals back home. It’s a scheme that Justin and Max get caught up in, forcing Justin to become a hero and do the right thing. Thankfully his trusty dog is right by his side.

There’s nothing all that special about Max. It’s a fun and family friendly film that doesn’t push any boundaries. If you’re a sucker for dogs (and really, who isn’t?) then you’ll get some entertainment from the film. Just don’t go in expecting the next Babe or Incredible Journey.