Best friend. Hero. Marine. Like all military dogs since WWI, Max is a dog whos serves his handler, Kyle (Robbie Amell) in Afghanistan where the dog sniffs out Taliban weapons. But when a mission goes wrong and Kyle dies, Max is sent back to the states.
Back home, Kyle’s parents (Thomas Hayden Church and Lauren Graham) mourn his passing, but Kyle’s younger brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins) wears a chip on his teenage shoulder, and would rather play video games locked up in his room. That is until Max the dog, sniffs out a familiar scent in Justin and wants to protect him as he did Kyle.
One of the most touching moments in this story is when Max the dog, shows up at his handler’s funeral, barking and begging to get off the lease, so that he may sit on the casket, and guard Kyle to the end. But following the funeral, and with little purpose now, Max exhibits signs of PTS, similar to that of a soldier. Max feels his sense of purpose has been taken away.
Without getting all “Delilah” radio I can’t help but say this is the most sentimental film of the year. It’s not often we come across a nice movie that establishes itself not only with a heartfelt story in ever-changing family dynamics, but the plot also manages to weave, betrayal, deception and finally trust.
Forget Fourth of July fireworks, this film gives you waterworks…about every ten minutes. And just when you think you can’t take anymore, hold onto your seat arm, because the action sequences will have your stomach churning and your fist roaring in the air for all things Max.
A true lesson about heroes…this is Lassie Comes Home taken to a new level. And it’s Patriotically worthy of 4 tiaras.