A.X.L. was only released last Friday, but things aren’t looking too good. Originally projected to gross around $5 million in its opening weekend, A.X.L. ended up debuting to a mere $2.9 million, finishing ninth overall at the box office. It currently holds a 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been assailed as “utterly forgettable.” While A.X.L. appears to be on the road to both commercial and critical failure, I really loved it.

A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog created by the military to help protect soldiers — with the idea that each soldier is equipped with one. Code named by the scientists who created him, A.X.L. stands for Attack, Exploration, and Logistics. After an experiment goes awry, A.X.L. is discovered hiding alone in the central California desert by a young motocross rider named Miles Hill (played by Alex Neustaedter). Miles is able to find a way to connect with him after activating his owner-pairing technology.

A.X.L. will go to any length to protect Miles, including facing off against the scientists who created him and who desperately want him back. To help get the upper hand in the fight, Miles teams up with a young woman named Sara Reyes (played by Becky G) to protect A.X.L.

A.X.L. is by no means a cinematic masterpiece, but that’s okay. It’s a fun popcorn flick. The story flows at a good pace and keeps the viewer entertained. All in all, if you have a couple hours to spare for some mindless fun, head to your nearest theater and give A.X.L. a shot.