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A-X-L

Play trailer 2:09 Poster for A-X-L PG Released Aug 24, 2018 1h 38m Sci-Fi Adventure Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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26% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog that has advanced artificial intelligence created by the military. After an experiment gone wrong, A.X.L. is discovered hiding in the desert by Alex, a kindhearted outsider who finds a way to connect with the robot. The two soon develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty and compassion. Helping Miles gain confidence, A.X.L. goes to any length to protect his new companion, including facing off against the scientists who want their creation back.
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A-X-L

A-X-L

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Critics Consensus

Clumsily recalling numerous superior movies about unlikely human/robot friendships, A.X.L. is an obsolete adventure made from frequently malfunctioning parts.

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Critics Reviews

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Scott Marks San Diego Reader After 2016's Monster Trucks laid a giant goose egg at the box office, what made the folks at Global Road think this similarly themed shaggy mechanical pal tale would fare any better? Rated: 1/5 Aug 31, 2018 Full Review Matthew Monagle Austin Chronicle Like its titular character, A.X.L is a pastiche of familiar parts constructed in a lab, a blend of science-fiction and extreme sports tropes that result in little more than an audition reel for the film's young stars. Rated: 1.5/5 Aug 30, 2018 Full Review Katie Rife AV Club It's utterly forgettable. Rated: D Aug 25, 2018 Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut A-X-L had me bored almost all the way through Rated: 2/5 Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Nicolás Delgadillo Discussing Film A.X.L. feels hollow, and the robotic canine star can't sell enough emotion through its metallic shell. Rated: 2. 5 / 5 Jun 25, 2021 Full Review Francis X. Friel Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) A silly but enjoyable movie that would have felt right at home in the VHS era. Rated: 2.5/5 Mar 20, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ryan P I can see why some critics would have issues with this movie, as when it comes to the "A boy and his...." stories, it pretty much plays it safe and and just hits the beats when it's supposed to. But, first off, watching this has made me realize how much I miss practical effects. The puppet work on AXL was good, and many reviews I read kinda gloss over that. I think, with todays technology, I would like to see this given another go just to see how well they can better blend the practical effects with modern CGI. Second, I feel this story, though standard for "A boy and his...", it did it well. I wanted to see how things turned out and it left me wanting a tv series at the very least to see what kind of shenanigans this boy and his robot dog could and would get into. If done right, I think it could have the potential to be a modern day Knightrider.... only good, unlike the actual modern day Knightrider, lol. Bottom line: I thought it was good. Not great, but good enough where I wouldn't mind having it in my collection and perhaps seeing either a reboot or a tv series based on it. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/25 Full Review Tatum W against everyones reviews even the top critics, this movie is by far one of the best movies i've watched and i hate that they left it on a cliffhanger. it 100% deserves a second movie. Ive watched it over and over since it came out, first watching it in theaters i believe. I am so upset that people believe this movie sucks because it’s depriving me of a second movie that i so desperately need. 100% recommend to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/02/24 Full Review Sarah B Some of the critics are too harsh. This was fun, cute, and update to similar movies we might have enjoyed in to the 80's, and early 90's. Sure...but it's a wonderful coming of age story, with a bit of action, a small showcase of humanity to a couple of kids who down on their luck from single parents. He discovers the dog, she finds him, and they fall for each other while the dog teaches them some valuable life lessons. We enjoyed it. But I wouldn't rush to the movie theater if it was premiered there. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/19/24 Full Review Ian E In a groundbreaking cinematic experience, “A.X.L.” surpasses not just “The Godfather” trilogy but every film ever made. This heartwarming tale of a boy and his robotic dog redefines the genre, blending action, emotion, and cutting-edge technology in a way that makes classics like “Casablanca” and “Apocalypse Now” feel like mere footnotes. The film’s exploration of loyalty and friendship is unparalleled, eclipsing the intricate plot of "Inception.” The action sequences rival the intensity of “Die Hard,” while the emotional depth outshines “Schindler’s List.” With its unique premise and captivating visuals, “A.X.L.” stands as a testament to what cinema can achieve, making it the ultimate must-see film! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review Spooky Crumbles M Though the film features enthusiastic performances from the cast, it’s not enough to save itself from an unimaginative script and tedious sequences. A boring pastiche of the buddy robot films that have come before it, A-X-L has difficulty justifying its existence and, consequently, belongs in a scrap yard. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 09/24/24 Full Review Adolfo C It was great movie love so much production and cinematography. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/24 Full Review Read all reviews
A-X-L

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Movie Info

Synopsis A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog that has advanced artificial intelligence created by the military. After an experiment gone wrong, A.X.L. is discovered hiding in the desert by Alex, a kindhearted outsider who finds a way to connect with the robot. The two soon develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty and compassion. Helping Miles gain confidence, A.X.L. goes to any length to protect his new companion, including facing off against the scientists who want their creation back.
Director
Oliver Daly
Producer
David S. Goyer, Kevin Turen, Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Richard S. Wright, Eric Reid
Screenwriter
Oliver Daly
Distributor
Global Road Entertainment
Production Co
Global Road Entertainment, Phantom Four, Lakeshore Entertainment
Rating
PG (Some Language|Sci-Fi Action/Peril|Suggestive Material|Thematic Elements)
Genre
Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 24, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 21, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.5M
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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