Rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language.
Directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada)
Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston
A ‘family movie’ that may not be for every family.
Marley & Me is touching film that is based on John Grogan’s best-selling autobiographical book. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston play the roles of John and his wife Jen as they embark on the wild adventure of marriage, career, and family all with the company of “the world's worst dog.” We follow Marley from the really cute puppy to a 100-lb wild monster. As the years go by, John and Jennifer begin a family, experience happiness and heartache, and all with Marley by their side.
I knew going into this one that I would probably laugh to tears…and other times fight back tears. That’s exactly what happened. Marley & Me is a comedy-drama that moves back and forth between the two flawlessly. When it's funny, it's laugh-out-loud stuff; when it's dramatic, it goes straight to the heart.
The laughs come from a few very funny sources: Marley and the typical dog humor – he's completely uncontrollable and untrainable, has a phobia of storms which causes him to go even crazier and he will eat anything including drywall, jewelry and the family couch. Then there is Owen Wilson with his typical sarcastic humor and charm that makes great lines even funnier. Although he and Aniston basically just play themselves, they make a believable couple. And Alan Arkin (as John's editor) is excellent with his distinctive dry humor.
As far as the heart, if you have (or had) a dog, there are so many scenes that will pull at your heart strings. In a scene where Jennifer learns she has just miscarried, Marley sits calmly by her side and comforts her as she cries. And the first time Marley struggles to get up the stairs…well, I felt my eyes start to water.
I have not read the book, but I can say that the film has plenty of both humor and heart and I think it’s a great “Rental.” The only reason it wasn’t “Theater Worthy” was because it is rated PG, yet was not very friendly for families.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The film is rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language and there were a few very uncomfortable moments with my family. There is a scene where Owen and Jennifer go skinny dipping in their pool and another time when they are getting intimate on the bed, both times Marley interrupts. Although they show nothing, the dialogue and certain issues are definitely suited for a more mature audience.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
