You may want to think twice about getting that puppy for Christmas. The “Dennis the Menace” of the canine world wreaks havoc on the Grogan family in the heartwarming flick “Marley & Me.”
Adapted from the bestselling memoir by John Grogan, Marley & Me chronicles the married life of John (Owen Wilson), his wife Jenny (Jennifer Aniston), and their rambunctious pooch. Nervous to start a family, John takes some advice from his womanizing best friend, Sebastian (Eric Dane of Grey’s Anatomy fame), to get Jenny a dog.
Welcome Marley, a starter baby of sorts, who proves much more difficult than a newborn. In his first few days with the family, Marley eats through dry wall, howls wildly during a thunderstorm, and discovers that pillows make great breakfast treats.
Affectionately, but accurately, billed by his owners as “the world’s worst dog,” Marley’s antics escalate. Drinking toilet water and chasing the UPS delivery man become everyday occurrences leading the Grogans to enroll Marley in obedience school.
Kathleen Turner (Romancing the Stone) has a small role as Ms. Kornblut, Marley’s drill-sergeant of a teacher whose motto, “There are no bad dogs, only bad dog-owners” is put to the test. The real-life Grogan family is featured in a cameo during the scene and watches on as Marley flunks out of school after he mistakes Ms. Kornblut for a poodle.
As the cute puppy grows into a 100-pound terror, the Grogan family evolves. John and Jenny buy a new house, have a few kids, and ride the ups and downs of married life. Jenny, a rising superstar at a local paper, makes the decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Meanwhile John, who is also a journalist, advances from beat reporter to columnist. Oscar winner Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) makes a playful turn as John’s crusty editor Arnie Klein, who encourages him to write about Marley’s adventures.
Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers) and Jennifer Aniston (Office Space) are an attractive and affable on-screen pair. The two work to make “Marley & Me” more than just a dog story. Aniston, in her first film since 2006’s “The Break Up,” proves that she does well with romantic comedies. Wilson, coming off of his highly publicized attempted suicide, affectingly portrays the deep bond between John and Marley over the years.
Despite the caliber of the actors, the real star of the movie is Marley. The production utilized over 20 Labrador Retrievers to play Marley, from puppy to senior. As the crux of the film, Marley keeps John grounded through life’s travails, and like many animals do, helps to remind the audience to live in the present.
Although it is somewhat predictable and formulaic, “Marley & Me” director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) nonetheless delivers a sweet film that makes for an entertaining holiday treat. Dog lovers should bring tissues and expect to shed more than a few tears.
Marley & Me opens on Christmas Day, going head-to-head with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Aniston’s ex, Brad Pitt.
Adapted from the bestselling memoir by John Grogan, Marley & Me chronicles the married life of John (Owen Wilson), his wife Jenny (Jennifer Aniston), and their rambunctious pooch. Nervous to start a family, John takes some advice from his womanizing best friend, Sebastian (Eric Dane of Grey’s Anatomy fame), to get Jenny a dog.
Welcome Marley, a starter baby of sorts, who proves much more difficult than a newborn. In his first few days with the family, Marley eats through dry wall, howls wildly during a thunderstorm, and discovers that pillows make great breakfast treats.
Affectionately, but accurately, billed by his owners as “the world’s worst dog,” Marley’s antics escalate. Drinking toilet water and chasing the UPS delivery man become everyday occurrences leading the Grogans to enroll Marley in obedience school.
Kathleen Turner (Romancing the Stone) has a small role as Ms. Kornblut, Marley’s drill-sergeant of a teacher whose motto, “There are no bad dogs, only bad dog-owners” is put to the test. The real-life Grogan family is featured in a cameo during the scene and watches on as Marley flunks out of school after he mistakes Ms. Kornblut for a poodle.
As the cute puppy grows into a 100-pound terror, the Grogan family evolves. John and Jenny buy a new house, have a few kids, and ride the ups and downs of married life. Jenny, a rising superstar at a local paper, makes the decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Meanwhile John, who is also a journalist, advances from beat reporter to columnist. Oscar winner Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) makes a playful turn as John’s crusty editor Arnie Klein, who encourages him to write about Marley’s adventures.
Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers) and Jennifer Aniston (Office Space) are an attractive and affable on-screen pair. The two work to make “Marley & Me” more than just a dog story. Aniston, in her first film since 2006’s “The Break Up,” proves that she does well with romantic comedies. Wilson, coming off of his highly publicized attempted suicide, affectingly portrays the deep bond between John and Marley over the years.
Despite the caliber of the actors, the real star of the movie is Marley. The production utilized over 20 Labrador Retrievers to play Marley, from puppy to senior. As the crux of the film, Marley keeps John grounded through life’s travails, and like many animals do, helps to remind the audience to live in the present.
Although it is somewhat predictable and formulaic, “Marley & Me” director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) nonetheless delivers a sweet film that makes for an entertaining holiday treat. Dog lovers should bring tissues and expect to shed more than a few tears.
Marley & Me opens on Christmas Day, going head-to-head with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Aniston’s ex, Brad Pitt.
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