My Friend Max

As a horror fan, this is not the film I would normally watch, but I did find myself watching it and found it very different than I would have expected.

While it may have taken a little longer than expected to get started, I found that this was done on purpose as it had an arc that brought the audience along at a specific pace, and that pace worked. You had to understand these characters and you did.

Why did this film work? It's very simple.

I believe there are two things that you need in any film, whatever the budget, and if you have this then you have a film that the viewers will enjoy:

1. A Good Script 2. Good acting

This film had both of these and not just good, but great. The script worked well and both principal actors did a fantastic job.

It's a great film if you like a feel-good story, but don't want all the mush.

The imaginary friend is an old idea from "Harvey" and even earlier, but "My Friend Max" manages a sweet and interesting take. It helps that the friend is played by the always enjoyable Doug Jones and that Kaylynn Burgin is equally terrific as the young girl, Thea, who keeps him around. The reason behind the relationship and the arc of the story aren't earth-shattering, but little touches keep things intriguing. The use of close-ups, for example, are quite nice: a phone fills the screen, demanding social connection from Thea; her agitation is made clear in a later scene as we stare at her fidgeting hands. The score is appropriately lilting and the supporting roles are all well-played. Some scenes end abruptly and a few things are left unanswered, but these are mere quibbles. In the end, "My Friend Max" is a worthwhile, heartfelt tale of growing up and letting go.

An imaginary friend story where you care about the characters ... and want to see where the story arc goes.

Great performances by both leads.

Not everything is exactly clear, but that may be on purpose for you to fill in the holes. The mystery behind one of the leads was interesting, and sad.

A great story of a girl letting go of one aspect of her life, and moving forward with another.