Marley and Me

Ahhh…Marley and Me…where do I even begin. I read the book and loved every word of it. I loved every second of the movie. Marley and Me is probably the best movie of 2008—in my humble, non-Entertainment Weekly, opinion.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston were amazing in this film and I love them both more than ever. At first, I was leery of the casting but they worked together perfectly; both fitting the roles of husband/father and wife/mom seamlessly.

The movie begins with Wilson and Aniston, the Grogan’s, recently married and follows their lives over the next 15 years or so. First, comes new jobs, a new house and a puppy…Marley! All this is followed by three kids, promotions, bigger houses and the constant shenanigans of Marley.

The subtitle of both the book and the movie is: “Life and love with the world’s worst dog.” The subtitle isn’t that far off, Marley does get into lots and lots of trouble, but it makes him all the more adorable. Despite his couch chewing ways Marley proves early in the movie that he is the very definition of man’s (or woman’s) best friend.

I warn you…bring a box of Kleenex…or two. I sobbed my face off. I started crying during the opening credits. I think it was because I had already read the book and I knew what was in store for me. What’s amazing about the movie is that it just isn’t about the tears and its main purpose isn’t to make the audience cry. The movie, rather, shows a real and honest look at the start and evolution of being a family and how animals add so much to the dynamic of a family.

I was just so touched by everything in this film. It was like looking in a mirror. I think anyone could see themselves in this movie…see themselves in the Grogan’s…see their dog in Marley. I say I sobbed during this movie; that’s not saying much, I cry at most movies. The amazing thing was that I wasn’t alone, not even close; I think every person in the theatre was crying. I imagined how wonderful it would be to hear each and every member of the audience share their dog memories. I know the audience wasn’t exactly crying for Marley, but rather crying for a dog they have or had. That’s what makes the film so special; it’s completely relatable.

This movie made me go home and give Buster a great big giant hug. Raising Buster has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I know that statement is really bold. But if you have ever loved a dog you get it…you totally get it.

“A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.” John Grogan

Missy Cinema Score: A+