It’s neither a standard canine movie nor particularly uplifting, though still worth seeing. Dog movies aren't what they used to be; these days, they seem relegated to television where the entertainment value is geared toward very young viewers. This one offers something different for adults, at least on the surface. The plot involves war initially, but then the rest of it feels somewhat predictable. The film draws inspiration from dogs who aided American soldiers during conflicts in the Middle East. Max, a dog, comes back to the United States after experiencing trauma while serving overseas and is subsequently adopted by a family whose son died fighting alongside him. As he tries to adapt to his new life, he forms a strong connection with one of the boys in the family, leading them on an adventure into the nearby woods where they confront illegal activities. The actor who played the boy appeared previously in 'Lost in the Sun,' and here he is given more room to develop his character. The rest of the cast performs well too, especially the dog. It’s a pleasant story, but I was hoping for greater depth and complexity. While emotionally it could have been stronger, the final product is reasonably satisfying. The scenery is lovely, particularly the woodland settings. The conclusion felt acceptable within the narrative, though the visuals didn't quite match up. There appears to be a logical gap concerning the location of an explosion. It probably won’t make anyone’s best-of list for the year, but it isn’t so bad that you should avoid it altogether. It wasn’t the dog film I was expecting, but given the current decline in quality, I can appreciate it. So, give it a try. 7/10

Source on TMDB