SNMR 6.14: "Marley & Me"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "Marley & Me (2008, PG, 115 minutes), starring Owen Wilson, Jennier Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. The film was directed by David Frankel.

PLOT SUMMARY: John (Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Aniston) are newspaper reporters and a newly married couple. One day John decides to surprise Jenny with a puppy. They pick out of a litter a quiet little Labrador. Three weeks later on the very first trip home, the dog gets the name Marley -- thanks to a Bob Marley song playing on the radio. The movie follows the life and adventures of the mischievous dog through the trials, tribulations and joys of the Grogan family.

MY OPINION: I first saw this film when it opened in the theater last Christmas, primarily because I wanted to see Jennifer Aniston's new movie. It was not at all what I expected. It was better. I was expecting a screwball comedy along the lines of the Beethoven movies but instead saw a comedy/drama that has its funny moments but also a serious side as well.

The script is excellently adapted from the book by John Grogan, which is probably based on some of his columns - which is precisely what makes this story work. It is eminently believable and you have reason to be invested in and care about the lives of the characters, including the dog. As anyone who grew up with a dog or pets in general, you know how easily attached you can become to that particular pet, no matter how much it chews, humps or pees on stuff it shouldn't.

I really didn't think Wilson and Aniston would have a good on-screen chemistry but they do. Alan Arkin gives a good performance as John Grogan's boss, the no-nonsense newspaper editor. Kathleen Turner, who has aged badly, is wasted in a brief role as the dog trainer.

This film is definitely worth a rental (who doesn't love a movie about loyal pets? but keep a box of tissues handy) and in my case the addition to my DVD collection.

**** out of *****