People like to say that there are no new ideas in Hollywood, and they could be right.
In today’s age of spinoffs and reboots, it is hard to find an idea that is truly unique. At first glance, family film “Max” seems to follow the trend of incorporating many formulaic motifs in American cinema, such as patriotism and dogs (remember the success of “Marley & Me”? “101 Dalmatians”? “American Sniper”?), into the plot. Surprisingly though, the film transcends the trap of being cliched by using relatable themes to ground its plotline into messages that its targeted demographic can understand.
Starring: Josh Wiggins, Robbie Amell, Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church and Luke Kleintank.
Rating: PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements.
The movie begins by introducing the audience to Max, a precision-trained military dog that’s serving on the frontlines of Afghanistan. Max seems to have a particularly strong bond with his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). That proves to be a problem after Wincott dies in the line of duty.
Immobilized by the death of his partner, Max is sent stateside to Texas to be adopted by Kyle’s family, which includes mother Pamela (Lauren Graham) and father Ray (Thomas Haden Church). There, Max bonds with Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins), and through this friendship is able to revert to his “old self.” This friendship proves to be reciprocal as Justin learns important life lessons about discipline and responsibility as well. What follows is an adventure in its own right as Max and Justin uncover some secrets surrounding Kyle’s death.
For a PG-rated movie, “Max” deals with some pretty serious subjects, such as broken families and death, in a tone appropriate for children. One example that showcases this is Kyle and Justin’s relationship, which was strained right up until Kyle’s death. Although there’s no closure for Justin, a scene toward the end of the film signals to the audience that he is able to recognize that the bond he and his brother had as siblings was sacred, and what Kyle left with him transcends metaphysical concepts like life and death as he’ll always have a piece of him in Max.
This is a powerful theme in its own right, but its significance becomes even more relevant for young moviegoers who most likely have siblings whom they may not always get along with — although the love is always there.
“Max” is a great film for dog-lovers, too, if only for its beautiful imagery of canines. Max is a Belgian Malinois, which was a deliberate choice for the filmmakers over more familiar breeds such as the German shepherd, as Malinois have become the breed of choice to serve in military forces and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Leaner than a German shepherd, this short-haired version of the Belgian shepherd is athletic, loyal, and intelligent — which this movie clearly shows.
In short, “Max” is a story about changing family dynamics, finding yourself after loss, and learning how to grow up — which parents will appreciate both for their children and for themselves as they remember what it’s like to be young again.
Valcy Etienne: vetienne@post-gazette.com, 412 263 1760, or on twitter @valcyetienne.
First Published: June 26, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
