Marley & Me (2008)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

David Frankel

Writers (WGA):

Scott Frank (screenplay) and
Don Roos (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

25 December 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Romance

Tagline:

Heel the love

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Dog | Florida | Swimming Pool | Newspaper Editor | Newspaper Columnist

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Owen Wilson	...	John Grogan
Jennifer Aniston	...	Jennifer Grogan
Eric Dane	...	Sebastian
Kathleen Turner	...	Ms. Kornblut
Alan Arkin	...	Arnie Klein
Ann Dowd	...	Dr. Platt
Nathan Gamble	...	Patrick (Age 10)
Haley Bennett	...	Lisa
Clarke Peters	...	Editor
Finley Jacobsen	...	Conor (Age 8)
Lucy Merriam	...	Colleen (Age 5)
Bryce Robinson	...	Patrick (Age 7)
Ben Hyland	...	Conor (Age 5)
Sarah O'Kelly	...	Neighbor Mom (Nurse)
Keith Hudson	...	Big Guy

Also Known As:

Marley and Me (USA) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language.

Runtime:

120 min | USA:115 min | 111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:PG (certificate #44641) | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | UK:PG | Czech Republic:U | Ireland:PG | South Korea:12 | Chile:TE | Hong Kong:IIA | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Argentina:Atp | Peru:PT | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/6 | Germany:o.Al. | Canada:G (British Columbia/Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/Manitoba/Ontario) | Belgium:KT | Sweden:Btl | Mexico:A | New Zealand:PG

Filming Locations:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Company:

Fox 2000 Pictures

Trivia:

During the surprise birthday party scene you can see former Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry standing on the right of the shot smiling.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Jenny returns from Gainesville, John picks her up from the airport in what it seems to be a rainy day. Even though the water is pouring on their car, the men walking in the distance are obviously not rained upon and the asphalt is dry.

Quotes:

John Grogan: A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Biggest Loser: (#7.14)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

River Song

There was sobbing...

Every year I go to see a movie on Christmas Day. It's been a tradition since high school. This year's Christmas movie was "Marley & Me". I was more excited by the fact that it was something that everyone could go and see; including my mom, who doesn't venture out to the theater very often. Anyway, I was happy that she and my girlfriend were excited to see this.

As I am sure many posters will repeat this phrase, if you've ever been a dog owner, this movie really rings true. The movie itself is very simple; it chronicles the growth of a couple and the impact their pet Labrador has on their family throughout their life.

It is really the simplicity that makes the story work so well. This isn't "Old Yeller" or "Lassie", though some elements are there. This isn't a dog movie focused on the relationship of the canine and a kid (a la "My Dog Skip"). This is a true depiction of what it is like for most people to get a puppy early in their relationship and how it can develop into them becoming a member of the family.

There aren't many people in the cast. Jennifer Aniston really does the best job in the picture. I'm a fan of Owen Wilson (I know many aren't), and it was nice to see a serious side since we really hadn't seen one since "Behind Enemy Lines". He did a good job, but he really would've sold me if he had shed some full on tears when it was required. But he was very believable nonetheless.

The film really humanizes the characters and their relationship with Marley with such realism. I haven't had a chance to read the book, but I have a feeling the movie captured the essence of the story.

I have been a dog owner my entire life. I had 5 from childhood through college and have experienced the beginning act of the movie having purchased a puppy with my girlfriend 2 years ago. He is now a 2 yr old member of our family, and we would be devastated if we ever lost him. Most can relate to the experience of being a pet owner, and even if you can't, there are messages here you can still connect with. I definitely recommend this for ANYBODY, but try to take the family. If you never wanted a pet before, I challenge you to not change your mind after viewing this. And yes, men, women and children alike were sobbing by the end