Maximum Ride is a 2016 science fiction film directed by Jay Martin, starring Allie Marie Evans, Patrick Johnson, Lyliana Wray, and Luke Gregory.  Based on the young adult novel series by James Patterson, the film follows six genetically enhanced orphans with the ability to fly who escape from captivity and set out on a high-stakes mission to save one of their own.

Positives:

• Good use of the camera-work
• Good music

Negatives:

• Lackluster characters
• Lackluster performances
• Lackluster story
• Predictable twist

Plot:  There is little to no buildup.  None of the characters have any exposition, nor is there an explanation concerning the story.  How did they get their powers?  Who is the mysterious organization chasing them?  The whole story is pretty predictable and goes at a sluggishly slow pace.  And the sequel bait ending is just horrible. (2 out of 5)

Characters:  Honestly for the film to focus on these characters and not really give them any depth is just tragic.  Max (Evans) is the main protagonist and “leader” of the group but she’s just a troupe. Nearly all of the main cast consist of troupes and their not really important especially since the film focuses on her but there isn’t anything really special about her. Nudge (Jackson) seems to be the only character that doesn’t feel like a troupe but actually have something of a personality. There should’ve been more a dynamic between the characters, like they’re a family and not strangers.  (2 out of 5)

Cast: Performances are okay but nothing to run home about. Allie Marie Evans is decent but there are a lot of moments where she doesn’t quite make it.  Other performances include Patrick Johnson, Lyliana Wray, Luke Gregory Crosby, Gavin Lewis, Tetona Jackson, Zayne Emory, and Peter O’Brien. (2 out of 5)

Visuals:  The visuals are alright but definitely could be better. When it comes to close-ups of the characters the camera-work is good.  Nearly all of the flight sequences look like crap and could’ve been done a helluva lot better.  Close-ups of the characters flying would’ve looked better than the crappy CGI.  There are a lot of great shots of the landscape but it all feels like stock footage.  The set pieces are pretty crappy especially the base of the mysterious organization big wide rooms with no substance (equipment, staff, etc.). (2 out of 5)

Score: The music is pretty good and does work.  Good job by Bowie Dinkel and Kelvin Pimont with the music. (3 out of 5)

Writing:  Way to many flashbacks that just seem random and provide little to no exposition to the story.  Max going to help the random woman while trying to save Angel was a complete waste of a scene.  She got shot but what did it actually contribute to the overall plot. Sure we learn about the tracking chip and the surgery but that could’ve been handled helluva lot better with them going against this mysterious organization.  Some of the dialogue could’ve been handled better. Jay Martin could’ve done a lot better with the film. (1 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Maximum Ride is a failed attempt at bringing a great book series onto the big screen.  Yeah there are some good angles with the camera as well as a good soundtrack but the lackluster performances, bland characters, paper thin story, and crappy effects just weigh this movie down into the dirt.  Maximum Ride gets 2 out of 5.  This film could’ve been leagues better had there been better talent behind it.