A.X.L.
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Pro-STEM twist in often violent sci-fi boy-and-"dog" tale.
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A.X.L.
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What's the Story?
In A.X.L., Miles (Alex Neustaedter) is a motocross racer who feels he doesn't have an aptitude to succeed at anything else. After a competitor sabotages his bike and abandons him in the middle of nowhere, Miles discovers A.X.L. (Attack, Exploration, Logistics), a runaway robotic dog that appears to have been mistreated. While Miles applies his mechanical knowledge to repair the dog, the two bond and develop a mutually protective relationship. But A.X.L. was built as a top-secret war weapon, computerized to kill anyone who threatens him or his companion. With both a menacing pack of bullies and a military unit out to get them, will Miles be able to keep the canine droid docile while also keeping both of them out of harm's way?
Is It Any Good?
Combining action, animals, extreme sports, robots, and special effects, this movie succeeds in delivering an appealing fantasy of a boy and his 21st-century "dog." The robot canine is the world's coolest gadget and an amazing pet, all in one. At first glance, A.X.L. is a charming film that elicits compassion for abused animals. But then the "wait ... what?" of it all kicks in. Thankfully, the dialogue addresses the doubts that may nag at the audience, such as, "Can you abuse a robot? What does that even mean?"
That said, the script isn't all that sharp, leaning on standard-issue characters. Pop singer Becky G. is believable as Miles' love interest, and Thomas Jane has an ease about him as Miles' supportive dad. But the standout is Alex MacNicoll, whose take on the clichéd rich-kid bully is so natural and unexpected that it's shocking when he pivots into teen tormenter. Setting a story in the environment of motocross sports does bring something fresh, and between the bike stunts and the illusion of an amazing mechanized dog, the film is an optical treat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the compassion Miles shows to A.X.L. How is A.X.L. like a real dog? Is Miles' compassion well placed in trying to keep A.X.L. from harm? Is it possible to abuse a robot?
Did you notice any stereotyping in the movie? Do the characters take on traditional gender roles, or are there ways in which they defy expectations?
How would you describe the violence in A.X.L.? Did it have more or less impact because much of it involved a robot dog rather than a living one?
In real life, what's the best way to react to an aggressive dog? How about a stray dog or an animal whose owner isn't present?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 24, 2018
- On DVD or streaming: January 1, 2019
- Cast: Alex Neustaedter, Becky G., Alex MacNicoll
- Director: Oliver Daly
- Inclusion Information: Latinx actors
- Studio: Global Road Entertainment
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Robots
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: sci-fi action/peril, suggestive material, thematic elements and some language
- Last updated: March 21, 2023
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