【Film Review】Marley and Me

By Anli Hung

Have you ever seen a film, which make you with belly laughs and also tears? The first glance on the poster of Marley and Me, it seems to be a comedy between a Labrador and his owner. Marley and Me is based on the apparently true story of John Grogan (Owen Wilson), a journalist who buys a puppy for his wife Jenny (Jennifer Aniston), when she starts getting broody for some offspring, in order to hopefully distract her long enough for him to get his head around becoming a father.

I noticed there is more and more film about animals in these decades, it benefits for audience to care about these issues, like stray dogs. Dogs could be our friends and families that when we need them, but how come when we focus on much more importance, instead of them. Marley and Me gave a good example.

John and Jenny have many plans in their new life. However, the plan never followed the changes. Until Marley ( The Labrador) became a part of their family, it was the terrible life beginning. Marley, with his terror of thunderstorms and ability to chew though drywall and swallow jewelry, became just as much responsibility, if not more so, than any child could be.

Marley and Me reminds audience how precious things in life can be. Whether it is a dream job that you never realized was, until you had moved on to something else. Or a dog that constantly tested your nerves and patience, only to gaze up at you with eternal devotion while you are yelling at him.

Marley and Me may make audience think of their own pets, whether in the past, present, or even future. It reminds them how broad and encompassing the term “family’ really is. Marley and Me will also make viewers cry, but whether they are tears of sadness or joy, take another look.

Frankel, also the director of The Devil Wears Prada, does a good job of hiding the script's many shortcomings, with a nod-worthy soundtrack and picturesque locations aplenty. Although disposable and heavy-handed, this will ultimately please the masses, who may just leave the cinema with a damp hanky for comfort.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Directed By: David Frankel
Novel Written By: John Grogan
Cast: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston
Running Time: 115 minutes