AMB Reviews

Marley And Me: 7.5/10 Stars

Release Date: December 25, 2008

Content Advisory: Rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language. It is implied that a married couple has sex several times, though we never actually see anything. We once see that same couple making out atop their bed, however. They also go skinny dipping in a pool, though no nudity is shown. An animal is put down. Marley violently tears apart things and breaks things both inside and out. A scattering of milder swear words throughout. A girl is implied stabbed, though we barely see any blood.

Review: 

Marley and Me is a film that is based off a hit, best-selling novel. Now, have I read that novel? No. Not yet, at least. But, that being said... I still wanted to see this movie, just to give it a try. After all, I rarely ever see any dog movies anymore, after watching the horrendous, "Old Yeller" at a young age. Was Marley and Me everything I thought it to be? Mmm... basically.

In Short:

Marley and Me stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, and basically documents teh story of a couple, who start off with one crazy and mischievous dog... Marley. They then proceed to have three children, while the two of them search for the best job. Of course, this being a dog movie, you can expect the normal formula that basically every dog movie follows. Although my interest was most definitely kept for the whole two hours, I just didn't see anything that I've never seen before. It all felt the same for me, despite the solid acting, great pace, and many humorous moments.

In Full: 

Now, I want you to think back to the last dog movie that you saw... excluding Marley and Me. Think back to its plot... its formula... how it started and how it ended. Whatever movie you're thinking of, I am assuming that more than likely, it will follow a relatively close path to the one Marley and Me took. 

Marley and Me begins with Jon and Jenny Groger... a newlywed couple, who seem to be doing just fine. Jon and Jenny both work for the local newspaper as reporters, and life couldn't seem any better for them. But, when Jon figures that Jen needs a puppy in her life.... that's when the trouble starts. She chooses (obviously) Marley, an adorable pup, whom seems quiet and sweet. Not a single soul, however, could imagine the trouble he would case the Grogan's later in life. After settling down with three children, Jon decides to take another job for a separate newspaper, while Jen's nerves are slowly strained each day, as she stays home with the kids. It all leads to one big reason for a dog movie.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, though I have never seen either of them in this kind of role before, played their parts perfectly. Wilson, whom, after starring in such raunchy flicks as, "You, Me, And Dupree," and "Wedding Crashers," is able to overcome that side of him and play a decent, caring guy. Aniston plays his wife with relatively the same amount of energy and normality, and by the movie's end credits, the acting will definitely stick out to you as a pro.

Marley and Me was also able to retain a great pace. Though clocking in at 2 hours, 4 minutes, you never really seem to lose interest in the film, as its always taking you somewhere new. One moment, the Grogan's are buying a puppy, and the next moment, they have three kids. Though, I must say that I did tire of Marley's constant trouble-making. There's only so many times you can watch that dog chew up furniture or knock down househould objects. This movie also contained some great humor that, though it may go straight over the heads of littles ones, will most certainly have the older audience laughing.

In conclusion, I must neither recommend nor not recommend this film to you. For all you dog lovers out there... Marley and Me will be a fun time. It's filled with humor, love and some very touching moments. For all you families out there, just wanting a clean, funny, and enjoyable filme to see together.... this film could fit that category, if you're willing to make it work. It may have some of the younger kids bored out of their minds. My youngest sister, at 9 years old, was falling asleep during the film. For anyone else... is Marley and Me worth it? Hmm.... it's hard to say. Though touching and enjoyable, this movie is most definitely unoriginal. Of course, does that really matter with today's box office crowd? Probably not. It's #1 spot on the Top Box Office says that many people probably don't care about this movie's unoriginality. And that's okay for some. This film is still entertaining with its cliches... but it's nothing new or special.