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Action adventure film

A.X.L. (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

A.X.L. (2018) movie poster

A.X.L. is a 2018 action adventure film directed by Oliver Daly, starring Dominic Rains as Andric, Eric Etebari and Sam Upton. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 29 on Metacritic.

Echo Score
49
Metascore
29
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A.X.L. (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Oliver Daly
Genres
Action , Adventure , Sci-Fi , Family
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is A.X.L. About?

The premise of A.X.L. without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A cutting-edge robotic dog, A.X.L., escapes into the desert following a lab experiment gone wrong. He encounters Miles, a shy teenager who inadvertently activates the dog's owner-pairing technology, forging an unexpected bond. As they grow close, A.X.L. feels compelled to protect Miles from those attempting to recapture him. Joined by Sara, a clever and helpful friend, they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and loyalty.

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Cast & crew

A.X.L. Cast & Characters

Dominic Rains leads the cast as Andric, with Eric Etebari as Craine Operative Berman and Sam Upton as Craine Operative Stark. Directed by Oliver Daly; 17 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Oliver Daly

One more film directed by Oliver Daly: A-X-L.

Full filmography
Ratings

A.X.L. Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave A.X.L. 29 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

49 /100

A.X.L. Echo Score Breakdown

The film’s reception is divided between appreciation for its nostalgic action scenes and criticism of its superficial execution. While some viewers enjoyed the spirited motocross sequences and family-friendly themes, there is widespread concern about the underdeveloped creature design and lack of emotional depth. Narrative stakes are seen as mild and pacing uneven, leading to a sense of forgettability in parts. Ultimately, the film leaves a mixed impression that balances moments of enjoyment with notable creative shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film offers impressive motocross stunt work and polished CGI while faltering in creature design and visual cohesion. The production design evokes a nostalgic ’80s teen aesthetic, but editing choices occasionally undermine dramatic impact. Overall, technical ambition is evident but uneven execution prevents it from achieving fully consistent visual immersion.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally earnest but lack deeper resonance. The lead actors convey likability and familial warmth, yet the robotic protagonist remains emotionally distant. Secondary roles show intermittent spark, though character arcs seldom develop beyond familiar tropes. In sum, the film’s emotional impact is modest, offering occasional sincerity amid overall superficiality.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative adheres to familiar coming-of-age formulas with predictable pacing and modest stakes. Action sequences deliver bursts of excitement but are interspersed with lulls that diminish momentum. Plot coherence suffers from idle subplots and a lack of original thematic depth. Overall, the storytelling yields brief engagement but fails to sustain consistent interest throughout.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    When considering sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack is vibrant yet sometimes clashes with sound design that feels uneven in mixing. Visual style blends polished CGI sequences with a restrained color palette, creating sporadic stylistic appeal. However, audio inconsistencies and occasional disjointed effects prevent fully immersive engagement. Ultimately, sensory elements provide intermittent thrills but lack cohesive refinement.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    In relation to rewatch factor, the film offers limited replay value due to its predictable narrative and modest emotional depth. While action highlights and family-oriented themes may appeal on a second viewing, the absence of nuanced layers reduces lasting appeal. Audiences are unlikely to discover new insights or surprises upon re-examination. In summary, the rewatch potential remains low beyond initial enjoyment.

Plot

A.X.L. Plot Summary

What happens in A.X.L. from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In this captivating tale, a groundbreaking robotic dog known as A-X-L (“Attack, exploration, Logistics”) emerges as a highly classified project developed by the ingenious scientist Andric at Craine Systems. Designed to assist and protect military personnel, this state-of-the-art automaton features cutting-edge artificial intelligence and impressive capabilities. Unfortunately, when a mission goes awry, A-X-L finds itself lost and damaged in the desert, remaining a mystery to the outside world.

Enter Miles Hill, a solitary motorbike enthusiast who unexpectedly discovers the abandoned machine, igniting a remarkable bond between them. As A-X-L’s owner-pairing mechanism activates, this unconventional duo experiences a deep connection that goes beyond mere friendship. Teaming up with the clever Sara Reyes, they must protect their extraordinary companion from those who wish to exploit its unique skills.

Full summary

The whole story of A.X.L., scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know A.X.L.?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary purpose of the robotic canine A-X-L?

Seen A.X.L.?

FAQ

A.X.L. FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of A.X.L., each answered in a sentence.

How long is A.X.L.?

A.X.L. runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was A.X.L. released?

A.X.L. was released on August 24, 2018.

Who directed A.X.L.?

A.X.L. was directed by Oliver Daly.

More films by Oliver Daly

Who is in the cast of A.X.L.?

A.X.L. stars Dominic Rains as Andric, Eric Etebari as Craine Operative Berman and Sam Upton as Craine Operative Stark, among 17 credited actors.

How is A.X.L. rated?

A.X.L. has 29 on Metacritic and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.

Does A.X.L. have a post-credit scene?

No. A.X.L. has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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