Max is an inspirational story about a dog named Max, who serves alongside the Marines in modern-war Afghanistan and helps turn the tide of the battle by having abilities that humans do not possess. Not only do I believe that Max is the star of the show because of his heroism and courage, but Max helps deliver a story worth telling to any audience about how important it is for man's best friend to be utilized not only on the battlefield but at home as well.
Robbie Amell plays the older brother, Kyle Wincott, who helps Max develop and learn the skills of being a war dog and war hero from when Max is a puppy. Wincott also helps his teammates realize that Max is a vital asset worth having when doing reconnaissance. It shows greatly not only in the war zone, but throughout the entire movie, even in Wincott’s hometown in Texas.
Unfortunately, Wincott, Max, and his team are ambushed when entering a new area in Afghanistan, and Kyle is killed in the crossfire. Another team member is able to grab hold of Max, who is frantic after seeing his owner shot and dying in the ambush, and Kyle’s best friend thinks Max is the cause of his death and almost shoots Max.
After going through this traumatic experience, Max is deployed and brought back home to Texas, where he had to reside in a kennel due to his new unexpected behaviors and the inability of not being able to handle stress or new situations. Justin Wincott, Kyle’s younger brother, attends the funeral with his family for his brother, who not only the humans are devastated for, but also Max, who wants to just lay by his brother’s coffin.
Despite this tragedy, Max gathers himself and eventually is brought towards Justin, and actually calms down. Max senses similarities between Justin and his brother Kyle, and becomes obedient to him. Justin commands him to stay put, lay down, and other commands throughout the movie and Max listens, which eventually allows him to keep Max and help him relearn the abilities he was taught as a puppy. The bond between Justin and Max makes the movie realistic and relatable to not only dog owners, but all pet owners who share a strong relationship. The movie also really hits the emotional aspect with unexpected turns and tragedies (this movie made my girlfriend cry 4 times consecutively) so the movie does a great job showing this.
