Maximum Ride
Where to Watch Maximum Ride
Maxiumum Ride is a 2016 American science fiction thriller that's directed by Jay Martin. It's based on a novel series by James Patterson, taking inspiration from the "Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment", and is brought to life through powerful performances by lead actors, Allie Marie Evans (Max), Patrick Johnson (Fang), and Lyliana Wray (Angel).
The film is a dystopian tale set in the not-so-distant future. It's centred around a group of six genetically engineered mutant teenagers known as ‘The Flock.’ Each member possesses unique abilities, such as advanced strength, sight, speed, and even the capability to fly due to bird DNA implanted in them. These were made possible by inhuman experiments conducted in a clandestine laboratory named ‘The School.’ The film's protagonist, Max, or Maximum Ride as she's referred to by her friends, is intent on unravelling the mysteries behind their origins and ultimately, seeking justice.
The Flock’s life takes an unexpected turn, transforming from a relatively obscure existence to a high-stakes flight for survival. Their normal life in the mountains of upstate New York, where they hide and evade their origins and those who made them, is rudely disrupted by their kidnappers. They are thrust into a world of danger, pursued relentlessly by desperate individuals who seek to control and use their unique abilities for their own purposes. With their family threatened and their freedom stolen, Max must step into her role as the fearless leader, although beleaguered by doubts of her own, to ensure the security and future of her family consisting of Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel.
Allie Marie Evans delivers a stellar performance as the strong-willed and determined Max. She convincingly portrays her character’s roller-coaster of emotions, from being the designated guardian of The Flock, to a brave leader fighting against their captors, while dealing with the emotional turmoil of her extraordinary existence. Patrick Johnson presents a commendable performance as Fang, the quiet and level-headed second-in-command in The Flock. An essential part of the story also revolves around Lyliana Wray, who gives an incredible portrayal as Angel, the youngest in the group, whose secret powers could change the course of their destiny.
What adds a refreshing twist to the narrative is the ambiguous morality that is often on display. There is a lingering question hanging over the narrative about who the actual villains are, which compounds the web of conflict and tension enveloping the heroes. The spectral presence of ‘The School’ casts a long and twisted shadow over the proceedings, the place where The Flock's original 'sin' was committed.
Primitive CGI effects might be a slight setback in the feature, but the film compensates for this with lush cinematography capturing the essence of the protagonists’ flight, both metaphorical and literal. The intense sequences of them soaring above the city's nighttime skyline or the density of a deep forest are enough to set the viewers' hearts on edge.
The pacing of the film is swift and relentless, much like the protagonists' hectic and dangerous lives. It markedly illustrates the stark contrast between their peaceful life in the wilderness before and the claustrophobic concrete jungle’s cacophony they are forced into. Moreover, the film's sci-fi elements are well blended into the narrative fabric, never seeming out of place even when the storyline treads into the realms of the genetically outrageous.
The movie has generous doses of heartfelt moments of camaraderie, tension, and teenage angst, which showcases the complexities of their situation. Special mention also goes to the movie's soundtrack, which perfectly complements the narrative's emotional peaks and valleys.
In conclusion, Maximum Ride is a dramatic coming-of-age story, morphed into a thrilling sci-fi chase narrative, that is bound to engage audiences who appreciate character-driven sci-fi movies. Thanks to credible performances, high stakes, and a captivating storyline, it's a film that's much more than just an adaptation of a young adult novel. It's about family, friendship, and the fight for freedom set against the dystopian backdrop of a world that tries to exploit the extraordinary for the ordinary's benefit.
Maximum Ride is a Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller movie released in 2016. It has a runtime of 88 min. Critics and viewers have rated it mostly poor reviews, with an IMDb score of 3.6..
How to Watch Maximum Ride
Where can I stream Maximum Ride movie online? Maximum Ride is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Maximum Ride for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.