Marley & Me

Synopsis

Based on the best-seller by author John Grogan, this film tells the story of a lovely couple John and Jenny (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston) that adopt a dog named Marley with major behavorial problems. No matter how bad the dog is, he’s loving and like one of the family. As John and Jenny deal with life’s everyday twists and turns, Marley—who’s way more than a handful—is always loyally by their side.

Review

Woof-woof to seeing this warm-feeling film. Marley & Me isn’t just a movie about a dog and an individual. It’s so much more. Oh yes sir. It’s about family, marriage, loyalty and life. Even though the movie is rated PG, there is definitely some adult content that may be a tad bit much for a child. Other then that, Marley & Me is a wonderful film for the family around the holidays. My theater was PACKED with every age possible. I saw from a little baby in the arms all the way up to grandpa. Heck, he might have been great grandpa. Just be prepared to laugh, and sniffle because there are highs and lows to this flick-- same as life.

Marley & Me is a movie definitely for dog lovers. So, if you own a dog or are thinking about getting one, don’t snooze on this movie. It’s one for you. The film tells a story about a newly wedded couple, named John (Owen Wilson, Drillbit Taylor) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston, Friends with Money) Grogan. They’re so in love and both journalist in sunny Florida. Everything is going along smooth as baby talk comes up and John really isn’t feeling that idea so soon into their marriage. So, his buddy Sebastian (Eric Dane, ABC's Gray’s Anatomy) has a great idea of just getting a dog. In his opinion, all a pooch needs is some food and take them outside for a walk or to go to the bathroom. Sounds easy enough, right?

Well, John loves the idea and takes Jenny to get a puppy. They choose from several cuddly puppy Labradors an adorable pup with sweet eyes named Marley. To make a long story short, Marley is a mess. No, he makes a mess of everything. Sure, puppies are frisky and rambunctious little animals, but Marley is like no other. The dogs that play Marley are great at doing the opposite of what you think an obedient dog should do. It’s kind of funny behind the scenes that the dogs’ trainers have to teach them to be bad on cue. In the movie, Marley is nutso. I feel bad admitting this, but if I brought home a Marley and he acted a bloody fool, I’d have to take him back.

Anyhoo, John’s desire is to be a reporter, but he lands a job writing columns for a newspaper and his best material is about Marley. His boss Arnie (Alan Arkin, Get Smart) loves John’s articles, especially the one about Marley flunking out of obedience school. As time goes on John and Jenny have kids and true responsibilities kick in and Marley is so wild he’s worse than a kid which makes things difficult for the couple as they maneuver through life. Now don’t have me getting it all twisted for you, Marley is a very loving, sweet and loyal dog too. I guess as they say, you’ve got to take the good with the bad—and in Marley's case—the worst.

This film has a lot of moments where you can just say things to yourself like, “Oh nooo, Marley don’t.” People were laughing, and cringing as to what Marley would do next the entire time watching this flick. I must warn you that even with the comedic moments, there are some very sad scenes, so take your Puff Plus with Lotion. The tissue with the added lotion is the best. It’s so soft. And trust me; you must have softness when your nose starts to feel raw from blowing it. And…oops, sorry. I got off track. Well, just be prepared to shed a tear or two if you are a big softy.

Marley & Me is a wonderful story written perfectly from the memoirs of the real John Grogan. The casted couple, Anniston and Wilson was a brilliant move. They had great chemistry as a loving couple. Their comedic timing was right on and they really portrayed marriage, family and the entire gamut of life’s ups and downs in a genuine manner. I was impressed with them.

Marley & Me is a fantastic matinee kind of movie to check out. I wasn’t disappointed at all. It delivered for me what I expected it to from the previews. It’s not the “comedy” of the year, but it’s definitely not a waste of time or money. I know when I got done watching the picture I just wanted to go and give my sister’s little dog a big giant hug.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)