Sometimes all you want to know is “what is this?”, “why should I see it?” and “how did you like it?”  So, here it is: the lowdown on Max!

What:  Max is a film about a military working dog (named Max, obviously.)  When Max’s handler Kyle dies during a firefight in Afghanistan, Max becomes uncontrollable…except for the immediate bond he has with his handler’s brother Justin.

Why:  You like doggies?  Happy-ending movies?  Kids that feel like real kids rather than movie cliches?  Or maybe you’re looking for a 4th of July film that you can bring your whole family to.  Max will hook you up.

How: Gotta say that Max tugged all the right heartstrings for me.  The wartime scenes felt real, and though the back-home scenes felt a little too movie-of-the-week, it still worked.  You’ll see the happy ending coming from a mile away, but director Boaz Yakin manages to keep the thriller pace once the bad guys show up and threaten Max’s new life with Justin.  Best part of the film?  Getting introduced to Mia Xitlali, who plays Justin’s “Dog Whisperer” friend Carmen.  (Though I could have done without the misogyny leveled at her by her cousin Chuy.  Can we get past the Latino machismo stereotypes already?)

Grade: B