Max honors military dogs and families

Movie:   Max

PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell:   A Malinois Belgian Shepherd gives a respectable performance as a salute to all of the dogs who have served in the military.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Dogs have been used by the U.S.  military since World War 1.

·         Over 3000 dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

·         26 dogs and 25 handlers have been killed in the service of their country since 2003.  The movie tells you at the end that this film was made in their memory.

Things I liked:

·         It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch Max sit next to the casket of his fallen trainer, Kyle.

·         The animal training in the film is extremely impressive.  Wow, how do they choreograph the fight scenes?

·         I’ve enjoyed watching Thomas Haden Church in anything ever since I first saw him in that old TV show WINGS - The Complete Series .

·         It’s a needed look at another aspect of war and what grieving families and pets go through.

·         There are a few heartfelt patriotic moments.    The patriotism is extremely sappy and could have
      been done better, but I’m a sucker for the red, white and blue.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I usually like Lauren Graham, but her fake Southern accent was terribly distracting.

·         The movie makes all Mexicans look like total gangsters.
-      Justin’s friend Chuy is a real jerk of a kid.  I wouldn’t want my sons playing with a kid like that.

Funny lines:

  “Yo, we’re cool, but we don’t talk about this.  Never.” – Chuy after he watches his buddy kiss a girl.

          

Interesting lines:

·         “A hero always tells the truth, no matter what other people think of him or what the consequences are.” – Ray Wincott

·         “You’re turning against your race!” – Chuy   (Dejon LaQuake)
-     "Mexican isn't a race, Stupid!" - Carmen

·          

Tips for Parents:

·          Children will enjoy watching the dogs, but might be frightened by the fighting.
-      Some "mild" profanity.
-     Watching the film together as a family should create a good opportunity to talk about the costs of
       war and what things are worth fighting for.