Max

Directed by Boaz Yakin, this canine adventure revolves around a war dog whose U.S. Marine handler is killed in Afghanistan. As his story begins, heroic Max is on a search mission in Kandahar with Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell), who dies during a skirmish. Apparently suffering from PTSD, the desolate, unruly Max is returned to a Texas dog-training facility. Unable to relate to anyone except Kyle's rebellious teenage brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins), Max is slated for euthanasia. But a 2000 law signed by President Clinton allows military working dogs to be adopted by their handlers or civilian families, so Max comes to live with the Wincotts, despite the reservations of Justin's grieving parents (Thomas Hayden Church, Lauren Graham). When he's not pirating video games for money, sullen slacker Justin hangs out with BMX-riding Chuy (Dejon LaQuake) and tough-talking Carmen (Mia Xitlali), who teaches him how to relate to the distraught Max. As they bond, Justin discovers that Kyle's Marine buddy, Tyler (Luke Kleintank), not onluy lied about Max's role in Kyle's death, but is also tied to an illegal weapons deal involving the local Mexican gang leader (Joseph Julian Soria), a crooked cop (Owen Harn), and two vicious Rottweilers. Max, unfortunately, features a cliché-riddled screenplay that is burdened with clunky dialogue and backed by a manipulative score. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Working with Max” production featurette (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a “Hero Dogs: A Journey” behind-the-scenes featurette (8 min.), and bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an uninspired film.] (S. Granger)