What happens when a teenage dirt biker stumbles upon a cutting-edge military robot disguised as a dog? A-X-L (2018), directed by Oliver Daly, answers that question with a blend of sci-fi adventure, heartfelt camaraderie, and a hefty dose of motocross-fueled adrenaline. Starring Alex Neustaedter, Becky G, and Thomas Jane, this film transforms a simple boy-and-his-dog story into a futuristic romp through the deserts of California. Based on Daly’s 2015 short film Miles, A-X-L expands its premise into a feature-length spectacle, pitting its unlikely heroes against military might and teenage rivalries. With a sleek robotic canine at its center, the movie offers a mix of action, emotion, and a touch of absurdity that’s as endearing as it is chaotic. Join me as we dive into the plot, performances, themes, and cinematic flair of this under-the-radar gem— a tale of friendship that’s equal parts steel and soul.
A Chance Encounter: The Plot Unleashed
A-X-L kicks off in the sun-scorched expanses of Central California, where Miles Hill (Alex Neustaedter) is a talented but down-on-his-luck motocross rider. Living with his supportive single dad, Chuck (Thomas Jane), Miles dreams of escaping his small-town rut but lacks the means or confidence to break free. His fortunes take a wild turn during a desert ride when he’s sabotaged by Sam (Alex MacNicoll), a rich, jealous rival who leaves him stranded after a stunt goes wrong. Alone and injured, Miles stumbles upon a hidden shipping container— and inside, a damaged robotic dog unlike anything he’s ever seen.
Code-named A-X-L (short for Attack, Exploration, Logistics), this mechanical marvel is the brainchild of Craine Systems, a military contractor led by the ambitious scientist Andric (Dominic Rains). Designed as a next-gen war dog, A-X-L boasts advanced AI, razor-sharp teeth, and a loyalty protocol that bonds it to a single owner. When Miles repairs its wounds, the robot imprints on him, sparking a friendship that’s as genuine as it is improbable. A-X-L proves its devotion by chasing off threats and even projecting laser light shows for Miles’ amusement, blending menace with a puppy-like charm.
Enter Sara Reyes (Becky G), a resourceful artist and Miles’ crush, who joins the duo after tracking him down in the desert. Together, they hide A-X-L from Sam’s vengeful crew and the military, who deploy drones and firepower to reclaim their “asset.” Tensions escalate when Sam attacks A-X-L with a flamethrower, prompting a furious counterattack that Miles barely reins in. As the military closes in, Miles and Sara face a wrenching choice: protect their friend or surrender it to its creators. In a climactic showdown, A-X-L sacrifices itself to save Miles, only for a post-credits twist to hint at its digital resurrection— leaving hope for a sequel that fans still clamor for.
More Than Metal: Themes of Friendship and Freedom
A-X-L is more than a sci-fi action flick; it’s a story about connection in a disconnected world. Miles, a loner overshadowed by wealthier peers, finds a kindred spirit in A-X-L, whose own “abandonment” mirrors his isolation. Their bond—forged through mutual trust and protection—explores the idea that loyalty transcends species or circuitry. Sara’s inclusion adds a layer of teamwork, her quick thinking complementing Miles’ mechanical know-how, turning their trio into a scrappy underdog unit.
The film also toys with themes of freedom versus control. A-X-L’s military origins cast it as a tool of war, yet its bond with Miles reveals a capacity for choice— a rebellion against its programming. This struggle echoes Miles’ own fight to define his future beyond his circumstances, making A-X-L a subtle ode to breaking free from imposed limits. While its commentary on technology’s ethics feels light, the emotional core keeps it grounded, blending teenage angst with robo-dog heroics.
A Cast That Revs Up the Heart
Alex Neustaedter shines as Miles, bringing a quiet resilience to a character who’s both dreamer and doer. His earnestness makes Miles relatable, whether he’s tinkering with A-X-L or dodging Sam’s wrath. Becky G’s Sara is a standout, injecting wit and warmth into a role that could’ve been a mere sidekick. Her chemistry with Neustaedter feels natural, their budding romance a sweet counterpoint to the chaos.
Thomas Jane, as Chuck, offers a grounded paternal presence, his gruff affection anchoring Miles’ journey. Dominic Rains’ Andric is a classic mad scientist, all ambition and no remorse, while Alex MacNicoll’s Sam is a sneering bully whose over-the-top malice fuels the film’s lighter conflicts. The real star, though, is A-X-L itself— a blend of CGI and puppetry that’s equal parts fierce and adorable, its glowing eyes and playful antics stealing every scene.
Cinematic Grit: Style and Spectacle
Visually, A-X-L thrives on its desert backdrop, captured with sweeping shots that highlight the rugged beauty of California’s off-road trails. Cinematographer Tim Orr leans into the dusty, sunlit aesthetic, contrasting the organic landscape with A-X-L’s sleek, metallic form. The action sequences— from motocross chases to A-X-L’s jet-powered leaps— are kinetic and well-paced, though the budget occasionally shows in uneven CGI.
The sound design, paired with Ian Hultquist’s pulsing score, amplifies the tension and tenderness alike. A-X-L’s mechanical growls and whirs blend with the roar of engines, while quieter moments let the score’s softer notes shine. Rodriguez’s influence is evident in the film’s scrappy energy, though Daly’s direction keeps it from veering into pure camp, striking a balance between earnestness and escapism.
From Short to Screen: A Vision Expanded
A-X-L began as Miles, a 2015 Kickstarter-funded short that nabbed 190 backers with its promise of a boy-robot bond in the motocross world. Daly’s feature adaptation, backed by producers David S. Goyer and Lakeshore Entertainment, scales up the stakes with military intrigue and a broader cast. While it sacrifices some of the short’s intimacy, it retains its core: a tale of companionship against the odds.
Critics were harsh—Rotten Tomatoes sits at 25%, with a 3.9/10 average—dismissing it as derivative of E.T. or Short Circuit. Yet audiences gave it a 62% score, drawn to its charm and simplicity. Grossing $8.5 million against a $10 million budget, it flopped theatrically but found a second life on streaming, where its PG-friendly thrills resonate with younger viewers.
Why It Sticks: A Robo-Dog Worth Rooting For
A-X-L isn’t groundbreaking— its plot echoes familiar beats, and its villains lack depth— but it’s got heart in spades. It’s a love letter to underdogs, a celebration of friendship that doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to roll smoothly. For fans of sci-fi lite or boy-and-his-pet tales, it’s a breezy 98 minutes of fun, bolstered by a likable cast and a robo-dog you can’t help but cheer for. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough gas in the tank to make the ride worthwhile.
Thanks for tagging along on this journey through A-X-L! If you enjoyed this deep dive, I’d love for you to explore my other film reviews— there’s a whole lineup of cinematic adventures waiting. Let me know what you think of A-X-L in the comments, and tell me what movie you’d like me to tackle next. Happy watching!