Marley & Me

Marley & Me

                David Frankel’s 2008 production, Marley & Me, follows the tale of a dog. With a seemingly simple plot, this family comedy movie captures more than just your everyday dog. With appropriate jokes for all ages and romantic scenes that only make one smile this movie is one for the entire family. Based on a true story, Marley & Me is a tale of man and his best friend as they journey through live entailing many bumps and bruises.

                Owen Wilson plays main character, John Grogan. John decided to get his newlywed wife a puppy in hopes that it will prolong plans of having children. However, little did John know he was about to enter into more responsibility than a child. Marley destroys everything from chewing, to eating necklaces, to peeing. The mischievous pup keeps the audience laughing and on their toes with what he’ll do next.

                As life continues John and his wife Jen (Jenifer Aniston) continue with their list of “to do’s” including buying a new house having three kids, and John becoming a reporter. Yet, despite the demanding needs of the three young  children and demands of the workforce, Marley is still causing the most trouble knocking the kids off their feet and waking them up from naps barking at the delivery man. All the aftermath Marley creates causes Jen to send him away for a few days in hope that he will never return. However, after only a matter of a couple days, the audience sees just how important Marley is to the family.

                The family moves to North from their Florida vacation home to Pennsylvania. There Marley becomes an old dog, hardly walking up stairs and leaving on long walks not to return until late the following night. From happy and glorious, the film quickly descends to a dark saddening mood. The kids of the family feel as though they are losing a sibling, and John and Jen as if they are losing a child. When it is finally Marley’s time to pass on I find myself crying as though I too have just lost my best friend.

                Family comedies typically encase good, clean language, jokes, and romance. Marley & Me has all of these elements allowing it to top the list of other movies of its genre. I could watch this movie with anyone from my mom to my second grade cousin. It's humor is understandable to all ages-- for the adults the "inside jokes" about marriage and for the children just the "silly" things Marley does creates a room full of laughter. Other movies in this genre could include Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Due to the fact the Frankel’s film is not cartoon based makes it even more applicable to real life making this movie, in my opinion, even better than the other two films mentioned above. Furthermore, I feel that this movie exceeds my expectations for this movie genre. Like any other family film, it does feature the typical happy ending. But, even though Marley & Me ends happily it still causes viewers to experience sadness as well (when Marley meets the end of his road). The film is still able to leave those watching with positive thoughts by overlooking all the good that Marley had created for his family acting as a major positive for the film. Also, an added bonus of the film is that it could be used as a teaching tool for ages alike. The movie shows a life lesson as most family films do of loving one and other through the good times and the bad. Marley & Me is by far one of the best family comedies I have watched.

                Marley & Me demonstrates all the feelings of a man and his best friend. It shows the real emotional relationship of a dog and its owner. Not everyone enjoys predictable movies, but I sure did. I feel even though this film may have been easy to predict and was rather typical, I enjoyed it from beginning to end however, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re interested in a feel good film  that leaves you grinning Marley & Me is for you!  The emotions being acted on screen are easily transferred to all audiences. For all ages, this film causes them to laugh, cry, and experience a range of feelings. Without a doubt this film deserves five stars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Saks67VeyI