2009 VIP
Jo
Plymouth, MA

Can only a dog lover love Marley .... & Me?

4 star rating

married, an infrequent movie goer, appreciate good acting, mom to a pampered Pomeranian, a baby boomer, If it keeps me a wake it's a keeper, a dog lover
Pros

    funny, touching, a real look at married life, great cast of actors

Cons
    don't expect a classic, a few unanswered questions

DEC
30
2008
We saw Marley & Me yesterday though we had some apprehensions that the audience would be full of children. It wasn't. It is rated PG for some suggestive material.

I had never read the book and do not like spoilers so I am just going to give the the bare minimum of information and please don't go and read a review that spoils Marley & Me for you.

The cast is wonderful and included Owen Wilson as journalist John Grogen, Jennifer Aniston as  journalist Jennifer Grogran who wanted Marley banned from the house because he was "the worst dog in the world," and Eric Dane as Sebastion who you will recognize as Dr. Mark Sloan, the plastic surgeon on Grey's Anatomy. Other actors include an unrecognizable Kathleen Turner as the dog obedience trainer, Ms. Kornblut, and Alan Arkin as Arnie Klein.

Marley, named after Bob Marley, a song that John was listening to after he and Jennifer picked out the "clearance sale dog." This happy couple soon has 3 children and an adorable but crazy dog who destroys everything in sight.

Close to two dozen Marleys, beautiful labs, were used in the film. The Marleys and their people were great as actors. The movie is very believable (We have a friend with a "monster" dog but we all love him) and the plot makes sense. John and Jennifer make the move even more real by showing married life from start of an era to the end of an era.

Marley & Me is a The New York Times bestselling autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan which was  published in 2005.

Marley & Me was directed by David Frankel.

It is 120 minutes long.

By the way I don't think Marley & Me is just for dog lovers.

What was missing?

Leaving Marley with a totally new babysitter was nuttier than Marley.

What happened when the Grogans left Marley with Sebastion?



I_thumb_up Marley & Me: The Movie is recommended by Jo

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about Jo’s Review

 


Fabian5 wrote on Jan 19, 2009 at 7:52PM

My family and i went to see because of the plot and the actors whom we have enjoyed several times in years past.WHAT A WONDERFUL MOVIE! We all cried and so did all the eldly movie goers, you right only a couple of kids at show.

Jo wrote on Jan 5, 2009 at 9:29AM

In response to LauraBelle's comment from Jan 5, 2009 at 3:02AM:

Laura that's what we thought but I can assure you it is not. In fact if I had a twelve year old I'd want to go with the child. Definitely for families or adults.

LauraBelle wrote on Jan 5, 2009 at 3:02AM

I'm glad you added that you didn't think it was just for children or dog lovers. My mom was worried that it was a movie for 12 year olds, but I told her I thought it was more of a family movie.

onyx95 wrote on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:19AM

Thanks for the info, I had been thinking about going to this one too.

eryndiane wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 12:12PM

Sounds like a good movie. I wasn't sure I would watch it but now I think I will rent it when it comes to DVD.

MikeMaroon wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:15AM

I definitely want to see this film. Like Owen(I'm so successful I'm suicidal) Wilson and Jennifer Anniston. Thanks for the great review!

krislynn wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 3:58AM

This is the movie I want to see the most. I'm sure there sad moments in the movie. I watched the movie "My Dog, Skip" and I cried and cried at the end of the movie. I hope you are having a great time in Florida! ;-) ~Krista Lynn

GigiandAdonai wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 1:12AM

I want to see this movie! My s-i-l read the book and said it made her cry so much that she wouldn't be able to handl the movie if it is any thing like the book. She has 10 dogs so she's a little sensitive when it comes to issues with pets. Great review and thanks for not spoiling it! I hate it when someone reveals the ending of the book or movie in their review. ~Gigi

LisaCarey wrote on Jan 1, 2009 at 6:40PM

We have the book, both have read it. Bryan wanted to see it this weekend, the girls vetoed him and he was stuck with madagascar 2. someday we can see grown up movies again.

LaurieM wrote on Dec 30, 2008 at 3:44PM

I was given the book as a gift but never read it. I definitely want to see the movie though!

BayouBengal wrote on Dec 30, 2008 at 11:56AM

Can't wait to see this one!

AnnaBanana wrote on Dec 30, 2008 at 11:32AM

I've been watching the commercials for this movie and I might give it a shot, being crazy about dogs even tough I don't own one.