33. Max Steel (2016)

Starring: Ben Winchell, Maria Bello, Ana Villafane, Josh Brener, Andy Garcia

Directed By: Stewart Hendler

Max Steel is based on a TV series back in the ’90s with a commercially successful action figure collection. This 2016 adaptation had the potential and making of a good sci-fi popcorn flick and even landed the great Andy Garcia to portray the antagonist, Dr. Miles Edwards. The film’s premise has a coming-of-age undertone and follows the story of a teenager, Max McGarth, played by Ben Winchell. Max discovers his latent ability to generate the most powerful energy in the universe. He is then met by an extra-terrestrial, Steel, who has the capabilities to utilize Max’s ability. Together they discover the secrets of Max’s past and the story behind his strange powers.

Unfortunately, the story-telling of the film did not match the expectations of the critics and viewers and wasn’t able to deliver upon its potential. The screenplay lacked flair and imagination despite the studio’s hefty investments. At some point, the script suffered from half-baked character development.