Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»News»Review»Nerdbot Movie Reviews: A.X.L.
    Review

    Nerdbot Movie Reviews: A.X.L.

    Loryn StoneBy Loryn StoneSeptember 10, 20184 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    This is a “Nerd Voices” contributing piece by B.A Walsh.

     

    A.X.L. is a mildly entertaining boy and his dog movie that covers familiar ground. It is the same plot we have seen over and over before (E.T., Short-Circuit, and Monster Truck to name a few) and probably will see again once Bumblebee hits the theaters.

    Image result for axl movieThe movie opens when the title character has apparently run away from home, where home is the high-tech company that has taken on a multimillion dollar military contract to design and build a robotic ‘war dog.’  (No doubt this idea comes from the same great military minds who think deploying Raptors would be a good idea, but that’s another movie).  At least the people in charge must have watched enough sci-fi movies to get the idea that a killer robot might be a problem if it turned on its makers, so the idea is that the robotic war dog would ‘bond’ with a particular soldier. This bond mimicking that of a faithful flesh-and-blood canine companion would hopefully keep the robotic dog from going all Skynet on its masters. Sadly, it apparently hadn’t occurred to any of the people responsible for building and testing the prototype to bond with A.X.L., so their creation decides to up and leave because…well we really don’t know although we assume because he is unhappy with his situation as he growls a bit when looking back at his pursuers.

    The scene then switches to a dirt bike race, where we meet our hero Miles (Alex Neustaedter), a working-class everyman trying to get his big break; his plucky soon-to-be girlfriend Sara (Becky G), who helps him out of a tight spot; and his rival in sport and in romance Sam (Alex MacNichol), a rich young man with a posse of suck-ups who turns out to be something of a jerk. And it is the actions of said jerk that end up setting our hero on a collision course with A.X.L.

    Image result for axl movieAfter a rough start, Miles does the equivalent of removing the thorn from the lion’ paw and the two become friends. They cement their bond by racing around the hills at the deserted junk yard where A.X.L. has been hiding out. Sara is soon introduced into the mix, and there is now a little romantic interlude courtesy of a match-making canine.  But reality rears its ugly head when the question of what to do with their new-found friend arises. Our hero feels that A.X.L.’s creators don’t deserve the robot dog because they were mean and that he should keep it, despite the counsel of his girlfriend and father that someone spent a lot of money on the robot and are going to want it back.

    This advice is rather prescient, as the head of the tech company needs his property back for a demonstration to the army.  And while the tech company seems to employ only two scientists, it does have access to quite a few goons. This paves the way for a showdown between our scrappy gang and the corporate and later military forces who want to break them apart. A climactic chase and confrontation occurs, the resolution of which leads into an epilogue hinting at a possible sequel (if the movie makes money).

    Overall A.X.L. makes a pleasant enough Saturday afternoon diversion where you can enjoy popcorn and air conditioning and switch off your brain for a bit. The most outstanding performers are probably the stuntmen for the dirt bike scenes. The cast don’t really have too much material to work with and so give adequate performances. The PG rating means that there is not much to bother younger viewers. No harsh language and only a little flirting. Mild action/violence, although themes of bullying and some scenes of fire/explosions might be a little intense for the very young.

    I give A.X.L. 3/5 stars.

     

    Do you have plans to see A.X.L.? Or is the premise too simple and tropey? Tell Nerdbot about it in the comments!

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleBill Nye Presents William Shatner With Governers Award For All ‘Star Trek’ Series
    Next Article Captain Britain and Black Knight Movie May Be in Development by Marvel
    Loryn Stone
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Instagram

    Loryn Stone has dedicated her life to the written Word of the Nerd. Her writing has also been published on other pop culture websites such as Cracked, LoadScreen, PopLurker, and Temple of Geek. Her debut young-adult novel "My Starlight" (a contemporary love letter to fandom, friendship, anime, cosplaying, love, and loss) is out now by Affinity Rainbow Publications. When she's not writing, Loryn's other interests include collecting robots (Megazords, specifically), playing bass, and blasting metal.

    Related Posts

    “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Disappointing End to Exciting Franchise [Review]

    May 22, 2025

    The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle Deck: Honest Review(2025)

    May 22, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    “The Accountant 2,” “Fight or Flight,” “The Surfer” and More! [Review]

    May 10, 2025

    “Friendship” The Funniest Movie I Couldn’t Wait to End [review]

    May 3, 2025

    “Thunderbolts*” Surprisingly Emotional Therapy Session for Anti-Heroes

    May 3, 2025
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    Beyond Flowcharts: Influence Diagrams as the Next-Level Decision Tool

    May 23, 2025

    Leading with Intelligence: How AI Is Reshaping Enterprise Strategy

    May 23, 2025

    Documentary ‘Put the Guns Down: A World Epidemic’ Gains National Momentum with Major Streaming Release and Backed by Legends in the Hip-Hop Community

    May 23, 2025

    Tips to Balance Mental Health at the Workplace

    May 23, 2025

    “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Disappointing End to Exciting Franchise [Review]

    May 22, 2025

    The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle Deck: Honest Review(2025)

    May 22, 2025
    Kermit the Frog

    Kermit The Frog to Give 1st Commencement Address in Decades

    May 21, 2025
    Jim Morrison grave

    Stolen Bust of The Doors Frontman Jim Morrison Finally Recovered

    May 21, 2025

    “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Disappointing End to Exciting Franchise [Review]

    May 22, 2025

    Alex Garland to Direct “Elden Ring” Live-Action Film for A24

    May 22, 2025

    Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns in Talks to Star in “Street Fighter” Film

    May 21, 2025
    Elle Fanning in "The Great"

    Elle Fanning to Play Effie Trinket in “Sunrise on the Reaping”

    May 20, 2025

    Jem and the Holograms Releasing 40th Anniversary Album

    May 22, 2025

    Zach Braff Returning as J.D. in “Scrubs” Revival

    May 21, 2025

    Norm from “Cheers” Actor George Wendt has Passed Away

    May 20, 2025

    First Teaser for HBO’s “It: Welcome to Derry” Finally Hits

    May 20, 2025

    “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Disappointing End to Exciting Franchise [Review]

    May 22, 2025

    The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle Deck: Honest Review(2025)

    May 22, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    “The Accountant 2,” “Fight or Flight,” “The Surfer” and More! [Review]

    May 10, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.