Soppy? Yes, but you'll warm to this dog of war: TOBY YOUNG reviews Max  

By Toby Young For The Daily Mail

Published: 19:50 EST, 6 August 2015 | Updated: 02:39 EST, 7 August 2015

Max (12A) 

Verdict: Wholesome fun 

Rating:

I wasn't expecting to like Max — it’s the story of a military-trained dog that is shipped back to America after his handler is killed in action — but it’s surprisingly enjoyable.

The central character is Justin (Josh Wiggins), a mildly troubled teen whose older brother was Max’s handler in Afghanistan and who worries he won’t measure up in the eyes of his war hero father (Thomas Haden Church).

The dog, which appears to be suffering from a canine version of PTSD, takes an immediate liking to Justin and the family decides to give him a home rather than see him put down

The dog, which appears to be suffering from a canine version of PTSD, takes an immediate liking to Justin and the family decides to give him a home rather than see him put down

The dog, which appears to be suffering from a canine version of PTSD, takes an immediate liking to Justin and the family decides to give him a home rather than see him put down.

As you’d expect, Justin and Max soon bond and it isn’t long before they’ve embarked on an adventure involving Hispanic gunrunners, BMX chases and a cute Mexican teen (Mia Xitlali) who just happens to be staying with Justin’s best friend for the summer and — even more conveniently — possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of dogs.

Max is by-numbers film-making and the story contains few surprises, but director Boaz Yakin keeps things zipping along and milks every last drop of sentiment from the material.

Yes, it’s cheesy, but in a wholesome, old- fashioned way, like an extended episode of Scooby-Doo. Those of an anti-war persuasion will object to the tub-thumping American patriotism — booyah! — but not me.

Max is rated 12A and smaller children may find some of the scenes disturbing. Having said that, I’m sure my three boys (aged seven, eight and ten) would absolutely love it. 

Not to be confused with Mad Max: Fury Road, which definitely isn’t suitable for children.

 

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