By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Despite major shortcomings, 'Max' still an enjoyable film
62cca692b0815bacecb6e230879ca76a092e3c56ca54bedcf5fa5dd43fd9f8c5
Josh Wiggins as Justin Wincott with Max in Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' family drama "Max." - photo by Doug Wright
'Max' (PG) 2 stars

Even though "Max" has the feel of a high-quality after-school movie, and its loaded with stereotypes and stereotypical plot lines, I have to admit I still enjoyed this film.

"Max" tells the story of a family who has lost their son in a firefight in the war on terror. At the funeral, the dog their son trained and was partnered with is inconsolable, and the family is informed that the dog, named Max, will be put down because nobody can handle him. It seems the canine veteran is also suffering from post-traumatic stress.

But there is a ray of hope. Max appears to have a soft spot for his trainers brother, Justin, played by Josh Wiggins.

Thomas Haden Church stars as Ray, the patriarch of the family who is a veteran himself. Because of the bond that seems to be developing between Max and his younger son, Ray decides the family will try to save the dog.

But theres more to this story than grieving for a fallen warrior and trying to save his dog. Something was amiss over in Afghanistan, and the tentacles appear to have followed Max home. But what is going on?

Meanwhile, Justin is trying to bring Max around with limited and wary support from his pals. One of his best friends happens to be Hispanic, and guess what? He has a beautiful, spunky cousin named Carmen. Let the stereotypes begin.

Of course, we have gangbanger relatives who are engaged in all kinds of dubious endeavors. But the real question is, how will this all tie back to Max and the death of Justins brother? Here, the evil soundtrack volume should be brought up. Enter Justins childhood friend and fellow Marine, Tyler. He comes home shortly after his friend is killed, and this is where the plot thickens so to speak.

The questions line up. Whats going on? Why does Max hate Tyler? What does Tyler have in his storage shed? Will little Carmen and Justin become a couple? Well, duh! Will the innumerable bad guys finally silence Max?

Like I said, its basically a higher-end after-school movie. It has its moments and a few are quite touching. But the predictability and over-the-top bad guys nearly turn this movie into a melodrama.
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
638421_Screenshot_1.png
Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
Latest Obituaries