Susan Granger’s review of “Max” (Warner Bros./M.G.M.)
Rin Tin Tin lives! Well, almost. Combining elements of “American Sniper” with a family theme, this hybrid 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 specialized search mission in Kandahar with Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amiel), who is killed during a skirmish. Desolate and unruly, Max suffers from PTSD, returning to the Texas dog-training facility. Slated for euthanasia, he’s unable to relate to anyone except Kyle’s rebellious teenage brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins).
Back in 2000, President Clinton signed a law allowing military working dogs (WMDs) to be adopted by their handlers or their civilian families, so Max comes to live with the Wincotts, despite reservations by Justin’s grieving parents (Thomas Hayden Church, Lauren Graham) who are justifiably wary.
When he’s not pirating video games, sullen slacker Justin hangs out with BMX-riding Chuy (Dejon LaQuake) and tough-talking Carmen (Mia Xitlali), who teaches him how to relate to distraught Max.
As they bond, Justin discovers that Kyle’s Marine buddy, Tyler (Luke Kleintank), is not only lying about Max’s role in Kyle’s death but has also become involved with an illegal weapons deal involving the local Mexican gang leader (Joseph Julian Soria), a crooked cop (Owen Harn) and two vicious Rottweilers.
Directed by Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans,” “Fresh”) from a conventionally patriotic, cliché-riddled screenplay he wrote with Sheldon Lettich (“Rambo III,” “Double Impact”), it’s burdened not only by clunky dialogue but also Trevor Rabin’s manipulative score.
Kudos to animal coordinator Mark Forbes, who used several different Belgian Malinois as Max. FYI: The military switched from German Shepherds several years ago. Belgian Malinois are smaller, lighter and more agile; in addition, they live longer and don’t suffer from hip-dysplasia problems that plague German Shepherds.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, Max” is a schmaltzy 6, yet parents should be aware that some of the ferocious dog fights may be too scary for young children.
