Marley and Me (2008)
Mild coarse language, sexual references and themes
| Director: | David Frankel |
| Actors: | Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Eric Dane, Alan Arkin, Haley Bennett, Kathleen Turner |
Marley is a yellow Labrador adopted by John Grogan, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and his wife. Their idea was to give them a taste of parenthood, but the dog proved to be a hyperactive handful. He wreaks havoc, gets kicked out of obedience school and gets even worse when the children begin to arrive, yet becomes an indispensable part of the family. The family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 111mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Doggy do's and doggy don'ts
by Simon Miraudo, 30/12/2008 9:54:00 AM
On my 10th birthday, my parents gave me an adorable little pup. He was a Jack Russell Terrier, and we called him Hercules, partly because he was a tough guy, but mostly because it just sounded funny. Unfortunately, our backyard wasn't really big enough for a manic dog like him, and he stayed up all night barking. He used to kill mice and leave them in front of the door to impress us. On two separate trips to the vet, he jumped out of the window of our car while we were stopped at the traffic lights. Living with Hercules was hell, but damn it, I loved that dog. So, carrying the mental scars of a dog owner, I sat down (unprepared) to Marley and Me. It's a tough film for me to talk about. On the one hand, it's a fairly standard romantic comedy. On the other, it's an incredibly touching (and ...
On my 10th birthday, my parents gave me an adorable little pup. He was a Jack Russell Terrier, and we called him Hercules, partly because he was a tough guy, but mostly because it just sounded funny. Unfortunately, our backyard wasn't really big enough for a manic dog like him, and he stayed up all night barking. He used to kill mice and leave them in front of the door to impress us. On two separate trips to the vet, he jumped out of the window of our car while we were stopped at the traffic lights. Living with Hercules was hell, but damn it, I loved that dog.
So, carrying the mental scars of a dog owner, I sat down (unprepared) to Marley and Me. It's a tough film for me to talk about. On the one hand, it's a fairly standard romantic comedy. On the other, it's an incredibly touching (and ultimately heartbreaking) story about a man and his dog. Would I lose all my credibility if I said I got more emotional at the end of Marley and Me than The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? Oh right. What credibility?
Newlyweds John and Jennifer Grogan are settling into married life pretty comfortably. Find good jobs. Done. Buy the right house. Done. Have some kids. Do.... well, maybe not just yet. Jennifer (Aniston) is keen, but John (Wilson) isn't quite ready to surrender completely. He buys her a dog called Marley to keep her distracted for a few years. Unfortunately, it turns out to be "the world's worst dog", a title surely every owner has proclaimed of their own pet.
But for all of Marley's destructive ways, John and Jennifer fall in love with him. And despite his seeming inability to follow instruction, Marley seems to genuinely care for his owners. Over the course of the film, Marley teaches them about life and love and blah blah blah. Look, you already know if you're seeing this film based on the poster of the cute puppy.
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston are a pretty pair to watch. Wilson’s regular shtick has been toned down significantly, which is probably appropriate for the film, but I kind of miss it. Alan Arkin is great as always in a small supporting role. Everything about the movie is fine, if a little forgettable. Everything until the last half hour. Oh man. Now I hadn’t heard of John Grogan’s memoir Marley and Me before I saw the film, but I’m told it’s a very famous and well loved book. It’s also known for having a very, very sad ending. I can vouch that director David Frankel succeeds in wringing out every last tear from the audience.
I genuinely had to distract myself in the cinema during the more upsetting scenes. “OK, don’t be the guy who cried in Marley and Me.” But look, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with letting go of your emotions during a film. Virtually everyone in the cinema was stifling tears, snuffling their noses and wiping their eyes over and over again. One little girl was reduced to a bawling mess. But she walked out of the screening with a smile on her face. You can always pick the dog owners.
2.5/5
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Member Reviews (67)
67 Member
Reviews
says
funny
Josh
says
Much too sentimental, but nonetheless a decent watch. I normally don't care for Owen Wilson in movies but he delivered a surprisingly moving performance here. It's a good family movie that's worth the viewing.
Sarah
says
Man, talk about cry! cry, cry, cry!!! I dont know anyone that didn't cry! Dont watch it if you've just lost your doggie.......... good movie though, good family one, bit different as it moves through life quite quick were other films linger.
Glenys
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Tear jerker but pleasant
Marilyn
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Such a funny movie, enjoyed it very much, highly recommend. Sort of reminded me of our dog :-)
Hilary
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I loved this film... Lots of laughs and some tears. The way a good needs to be treated, as part of the family!!
Leekee
says
I enjoyed this movie from start to finish, both lead actors were great, not to mention the dogs performance, although as a dog owner myself I have to wonder if I would have put up with everything that dog did! I cried at the end.
Laura
says
from a dog trainer's point of view it is hard to enjoy it as in most of the scenes with the dogs ( it took about 12 different dogs to get one Marley) you can tell the dog is acting on cue, which is great training wise, but shows very inaccurate body language. The book is 10 times better, with real feelings and more details whereas this movie is just a quick recap of the best moments of the book. I am a big fan of the book by John Grogan but the film doesn't do Marley any justice. If you don't know much about dog training and dog body language you'll probably find this a great movie.
nibshy
says
This movie is way above what I expected, If any one has had a pet dog for a few years can understand, This is really a moving movie, which I did enjoy very much.Well acted, especially the dog...
rosamund
says
I had read the book before seeing the film and found it a poor second to the book.
Some really humrous scenes when he dog jumps in the pool and enjoys his day in the surf.
Cathy
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If you have ever loved a dog you will love this movie, a tear jerker, a good family film
KrisP
says
Great movie.. Make sure you have some tissues ready.. Really made me think about the relationship I have with my husband and family.
Kylie
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Really Great Movie!!! Great story line and rather sad in parts, would watch it a second time!
Deb
says
A brilliant movie, guaranteed to make a bloke cry!
Colleen
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This is the one movie where I absolutely bawl my eyes out in the last twenty minutes. Not just a few tears, like other movies, but full on crying. If you have a loved pet, beware. It is a lovely movie, really well treated, and not over the top.
Nigel W
says
An out of control dog manages to become a valued family member through good times and bad. A surprisingly good film that manages a fine balance between comedy and drama. Though it could have milked the sentimental aspects of the story it doesn't. 3.5 stars
Traceys
says
Boring, boring boring
Traceef
says
If you are an animal lover you will understand this movie 100%, laugh at it, cry with them, but thoroughly enjoy it.
Leap
says
If you are a dog lover you will love this - I cried buckets and laughed too, but the book was better if you have a chance to read it
yeo44
says
a very realistic movie, having a beautiful dog such as marlie can relate to the story, a rate of almost 5,, actors played their parts very well, laughed and cries through out the story
paul
says
surprised i liked it so much,
sweet enduring story about our much loved best friends and their journey in life with us.
Wiiliam C
says
Lots of fun but the dog's the real star
Liz
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Laughed and Cried so much even my husband whom I've never seen cry in a movie did. If you're a dog person this is a great movie. Sort of makes you laugh at your life with your own dog/a best friend.
Kim
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This movie was a big waste of time. The sentimentality was unbelievable and the characters were boring. It's just a soppy story about a dog....and a boring one at that!
Janet E.
says
Dogs they break your heart, but on the way they are loving, naughty and very special.
This movie had so many good memories of the joy that your special friend brings to your life.
Make sure you have plenty of tissues, I started crying about half way through because you know the outcome and you just can't help yourself
JM14
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I thought this was going to be a lighthearted comedy, but it turns out its a heartwrenching drama with a great story spanning several years, and the two lead actors did a great job.
Lou
says
Excellent dog lovers movie - hilarious!
Amanda P.
says
Having read the book, that I really enjoyed, this movie was very disappointing. The storyine was lost and to be honest I fell asleep before it was over. Maybe good enough for a night home alone as a chick flick. But then again I'm a chick and it still didn't do it for me.
Judy1941
says
Having had a big dog that tried to eat our house and was untrainable I could relate to this movie and the trials the family went through. However it was so true about the unconditional love you can get from a dog and how they worm their way into your heart.
RoyF
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marley and me is a really good with a sad ending and really affacts you if your a dog person and i am and it really got to me. great cast and story and the realtion ship between the family and the dog (marley). just a great film but with a sad ending.
Jamie
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I had been wanting to see this for a while, and i am very glad i got around to watching it.
Lovely movie. Jen Aniston and Owen Wilson play their roles superbly.
My advice to anyone about to watch it.....Get the tissues ready!!
Jane M.
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We put off watching this for a long time being worried about the end. And yep, if you're any kind of animal lover, you will sob like a baby. My partner and I did. Good movie but way too sad for me to call it a favourite.
Kylie
says
Loved it...Great movie
Anita
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I absolutely loved the book. I think it went in to far more detail than the book. Definitely a movie for animal lovers. Keep some tissues handy for the ending...
Alex H.
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Can a dog behave as crazily as Marly? The film is a delight from beginning to end!!!
Janet S.
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The usual Hollywood B grade feel good formula movie. Disappointing in every way from the gorgeous main stars spouting banalities to the rampant dog cliche. Could have been so much better!
Laura
says
Having read the book wasn't sure if the film would compare, but I think they did a very good job at trying to. Few laughs and lots of tears. A good film to watch by any dog lovers out there, but have your tissues ready.
Jillian D.
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This is a wonderful movie. It is a true story by John Grogan and is told as it happened. No Hollywood sex or violence - it's a simple story about a man, his wife, their kids and their dog.
Peter D.
says
i'm a dog lover who has owned a labrador but i found the film fairly boring.
Kristian C.
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A feel good movie, another adaption which i saw the movie first, no originality obviously , but alright i guess. good for the girls and the dog lovers.
Louiza
says
light easy watching
Andrew
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You'lll love your dog after you have seen Marley.
Peter F.
says
Get the tissues ready..an OK movie but u know the mutt is gonna kark it and he does with plenty of tears flowing...if I had a badly trained dog as this I would be crying too..the dog is the star of this mish-mash....a 7/10 for Marley...
Kerrianne
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very sad, but a really nice movie that all my family enjoyed. Lots of laughter too and oh my god the aptience these 'parents' had would have too be the only unbelievable trait!!!! Or else any person would have to get a big fat medal to have!!!!!
Louise K.
says
Very realistic - a relationship seen through the life a of their dog. Makes you wish dogs had longer life spans, as of course the ending is heartbreaking. But the funny, happy, heartwarming scenes at the start make it all worthwhile (just like sharing your life with a pet).
Barry
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Better tham I thought! 4/5
Chae T.
says
beautiful but far too sad, if i had known it was going to be so tear jerking i prob wouldnt have gotten it out, but as is life! a wonderful movie of man and animal bond.
Sally
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Easy to watch lovely movie even if you don't have a dog - but better if you do
Aaron L.
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loved movie on the best touching movies I have watched for awhile.
5 stars would recommend to friends and family, but warning is a bit of sad movie have the tissues ready.
Megan R.
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Great movie, lived up to the rave reviews given by friends!
David R.
says
Was lead to believe that it was a comedy. I wasn't too impressed that it didn't have a warning about animal death. After having to have two loved pets put down in the prime of their lives a couple of years ago, this movie was very very hard to take, and my wife couldn't watch the end of it past Marley getting euthanased. Why that scene was necessary is beyond me.
Stephen
says
Hilarious, heart touching story, very well made. Not as good as the book, but nothing ever is.
Raymond M.
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Very enjoyable movie. Some sad parts and some funny. I don't like dogs as a rule but this is quite amusing. A must see movie.
Alexandra K.
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I thought this movie was disappointing and quite frankly annoying. It was essentially two hours of watching a really irritating dog destroy everything in sight and it wasn't even funny, in fact it was borderline depressing.
Andrew
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This just scrapes in with 2 stars as the last 15 minutes or so will have an emotional impact on dog owners and lovers. Otherwise, this movie is an over-sentimentalised, by the numbers rom-com, without much com... While we get to see what made Marley the worst dog in the world, we don't see much of the positive things that makes losing her so painful.
Brian M.
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Formulaic. Predictable. A definate chick flick. The puppy was good.
My wife had read the book, I hadn't. We both thought the movie was totally forgettable.
Alison R.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I have read the book, which was even better as it went into a lot more detail of the mischief Marley got up to!!
As a dog owner you can relate so much to Marley and the many naughty yet loving things he does. Even if you are not a dog lover, the movie also captures the reality of life, having children and growing as a family...with a devoted dog by your side. A lovely movie that I look forward to seeing again and again!
Kathryn
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This was a great feel good movie. First thing I wanted to do after is go and give my dog a big cuddle.
Julie W.
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Very enjoyable movie ......
Sam E.
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The best movie i've seen in a long while, being a dog owner it's a comedic and realistic view at owning a dog...Well casted
Maria C.
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Lovely.
Sadie H.
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What a disappointment! The movie was not entirely terrible - but it was NOTHING like what I expected. This film was marketed as a romantic comedy, and did not prepare viewers for what it was really about - a depressing look at what happens to a happy, loving couple when you introduce a dog and 3 kids. It's put me off wanting to have kids for at least another 10 years. As for having a "fur kid" - I've already got one of those and fortunatley she's not quite as naughty as Marley. Overall - I wished that I had not wasted 2 hours of my life watching this movie.
Okto F.
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Expecting too much too soon, end up not enjoying the movie.
Julie O.
says
If you're a cat lover, this film will remind you why you prefer cats over dogs, and if you're a dog lover you'll have a good laugh, then a good cry, and hope your puppy will be better behaved than Marley is !
Matthew B.
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Sweet, touching, and entertaining film, not to be watched if you are getting over the loss of a dog.
Tracey C.
says
I read the book and was looking forward to this movie for a long time!
Overall I was really impressed with the movie - it really stuck close to the feel of the book which was good.
It was a beautiful film that labrador owners like myself will really enjoy!
Make sure you have tissues!
Shannon.E
says
Hilarious yet realistic. Sad yet joyjul.
This movie has so many emotions locked into it it's hard to pick a genre for it.
Marley and Me - the tale of one annoying, crazy, idiotic, loving, friendly dog and a couple starting their lives together.
When about to watch this movie prepare to laugh untill you can't breath and cry until you think lucky I brought tissues.
Overall, FANTASTIC movie and Jennifer Aniston really shines. I strongly recommend to see it especially dog lovers. A bit too old for little ones though. ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE MOVIES!