Max (PG)
Max is a trained bomb-sniffing Belgian Malinois who becomes despondent after his U.S. Marine handler is killed in Afghanistan.
In order to honor his heroic elder brother and help the traumatized dog heal emotionally, teenager Justin (Josh Wiggins) brings Max home and soon learns to love the magnificent dog. Five Belgian Malinois were required to shoot this canine adventure, but the lead dog is a rebellious spirit named Carlos, used for the numerous doggie close-up shots.
Even if you normally don’t cry at movies, one glance at the trailer reveals you’ll need a ready supply of tissues since Max tugs each heartstring.
Ted 2 (R)
Brought to life (in the original film) by his owner John’s (Mark Wahlberg) wish “that Ted was alive,” the titular entity is a walking, talking, foul-mouthed, stuffed teddy bear.
In this sequel, Ted is married to pretty Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth), but she won’t be completely happy until she and Ted become adoptive parents. The centerpiece of this chapter revolves around courtroom scenes in which Ted tries to prove he is deserving of human rights that qualify him to adopt a child.
A one-joke movie that relied on the shock value of a crude, hard-partying teddy bear, the comedy value diminishes with repetition.
