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Max

3 July 2015English1h 51mPart 1 of the Max series
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 4 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A dog-love tearjerker that moves pet lovers but stumbles on formula and thin acting.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: emotional resonance for pet lovers
  • Criticised: conventional plot and weak acting

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Critic consensus

What 5 critics are saying

Critical reception for Max is mixed-to-moderate, with reviewers broadly agreeing that the film works best as an emotional experience for pet lovers and family audiences. The dog-centered storyline and its ability to elicit genuine feeling were the most consistently noted strengths across reviews. However, detractors pointed to a conventional narrative structure, contrived plot points, melodrama, and weak acting as significant drawbacks, with one critic noting the film's premise would have been better served by a less formulaic approach. The film is largely recommended with the caveat that its appeal is heavily dependent on the viewer's affinity for dogs and emotional dramas.

How the 4 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (5)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    As far as hitting you right in the feels goes, 'Max' does an admirable job. Anyone who actually has a dog at home will probably love this movie. Kids, especially, might dig it, but for an adult who is not very fond of pets, there's nothing in the film to see apart from contrived plot points, some melodrama and less than great acting. You can decide on watching this film depending on which camp you belong to.
  2. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    The film has a few action scenes that are well shot, though on the whole the opening sequence of the dog on the front line in Afghanistan was much more tense and suspenseful than the later scenes. Ultimately, I can't help feeling that Max would have been more interesting if the story focused on a dog on field duty or on a battlefield. The approach taken by the film does make Max an unusual family film, but it also makes sure that it remains despite its interesting premise, a highly conventional one.
  3. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    In its entirety, Max is one of those movie which people of all age groups will love. With a fair share of gut wrenching moments, Max will make you cry for him, root for him and make you a part of his journey as he goes from being a war dog to an integral part of the Wincott family. All in all, Yakin will leave you misty-eyed with his tale of youthful romance, boy-dog relationships and lots of drama with bad guys all around.

Credits

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Cast

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