MARLEY AND ME (2008)

Their relationship wasn't going anywhere until one little thing tied it all together.

GENRE
Family/Comedy/Drama

STORYLINE
A family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.

DIRECTOR
David Frankel

CAST
Owen Wilson
Jennifer Aniston
22 Labradors

MY REVIEW
They say Marley is the worst dog one can have still they love him, they cant stay without him. This is what a dog does. There is a reason why dogs are called as man's best friend. Yes some are a nuisance creating a ruckus wherever they go, yet the unconditional love they you receive from them overpowers all his naughtiness.

The young Marley

Set in South Florida, the movie is about a writer couple John and Jenny Grogan. Contemplating about having a baby, on advice from John's friend he decides to surprise his wife with a Labrador puppy, Marley to check whether they are ready for parenthood. Initially finding him really cute and adorable, they release the difficulties as Marley is unlike any other dog. He creates chaos wherever he goes. He chews on walls, clothes or sofas.He runs around beaches and jumps out of moving cars. He is kicked out of training school for being a bad influence on other dogs! Despite of all this he teaches the couple important lessons about life and becomes an integral part of the family.

Its a beautiful film that teaches you lessons about life through the medium of the adorable Marley. It is basically a fun/entertaining film with a morale. The story is really well written. Being a dog owner I could relate to most of the things since I have experienced them with my own dog. Starting with a bit of introduction of the couple and then the introduction of the puppy initially to check whether they are ready or not has been shown quite beautifully. The movie has a good flow. There aren't any extra useless scenes included in the film. It is told in such a manner that you end up developing a bond with Marley. The nice thing is that it has a bit of laughter, a bit of drama and is a complete family film.

As for the performances, Owen Wilson looks quite suited for the role of John Grogan. Playing a writer not getting the right assignment and a loving and caring husband quite suits him in the film. The scenes with Marley are really great. Jennifer Aniston as the other lead plays her part really well. Getting angry at Marley for making her life a hell, ordering John to get the dog out of the house and then releasing how much she loves a dog withing a fraction of minutes was the scene which I felt was great. She plays with emotions easily and is quite convincing as an actor. As for Marley, since all 14 years of his life had to be shown about 22 Labradors played the roles. Kudos to the director for not making the viewers feel/realize that they were watching a different dog.

Marley creating trouble for Jenny

This film is an overall package. It is a light hearted film that has been beautifully made. A good watch for the entire family.

MY RATING 9/10

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