'Max' tells story of heroic dog

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A must-see movie this summer, "Max" is about a loveable and courageous dog. The message: heroism, unbreakable bonds and redemption.

Oscar nominee Thomas Haden Church is the human star of "Max." The movie tells the story of a dog whose handler was killed while they were deployed in Afghanistan. Max was to be euthanized due to post-traumatic stress, but the fallen Marine's family adopts him instead.

Max saves the day more than once.

"They're all about the training and the mission and going and finding the enemy and the enemy weapons," Church said.

The plot is not based on a real story, but inspired by hero dogs. Six animals were cast to play the title role, but one named "Carlos" took the lead.

"He was a bit more easy going. He was a bit more robust and there was a vulnerability to him. He was the mainstay," Church said.

Church has a soft spot for Chicago because he did a series from '95 to '97 called "Ned & Stacy."

"It was a great experience," Church said. "This is a true story, I partied with Chris Farley here once."