Marley & Me is a special film, and anyone who owns and loves his or her pet will connect to it on a completely different level. The film follows newlywed couple John and Jen who adopt a Labrador Retriever as a test to see if theyre ready to raise a family. They soon find that the dog is incorrigible and John realises his dog's antics is rich material for his newspaper column. Every dog owner says they want their dog to remain a puppy forever; Marley is that dog. Marley is strong, destructive, spirited and a forever hungry dog with a fear of thunderstorms. He is bursting with energy and personality, captivating audiences like no other animal before him. There is incredible chemistry between Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston; they come across as a realistic couple that makes all the chaos surrounding Marley seem that much more believable. The film is handled well and doesnt come across as mushy or corny, staying well away from the defining aspects of romcoms. You just feel a deep connection between Owen Wilsons character and Marley - its an undying love and despite all Marleys flaws, John will always stand by his dog. What makes Marley stand out above the rest is that he is based off a real dog. The film is an adaption of John Grogans book Marley & Me: Life and Love with the Worlds Worst Dog, and it must bring a smile to your face knowing all this actually happened. Deep down, we all want a dog like Marley. Yes, hell eat everything in sight and will drive you mental but hes loyal, loving to his family and brave (going out with John to help a girl who was hurt after a mugging). Very few animals have gripped audiences the way Marley has. The film tackles the love a family can have for a pet and how it changes their lives for the better perfectly. The ending is so touching that any pet owner would get up from their seat and give their companion a cuddle. Owen Wilson captures the moment Marley is put down after such a long and enriched life perfectly - we truly feel for the family and it takes the coldest of hearts to not shed a tear. Marley would make your life an absolute misery, but youll adore every car escaping, thunder-howling moment with him.
An aspiring filmmaker, writer, traveller, and avid comic book fan, with an undying passion for calligraphy and chopping boards shaped like fruit. Genuinely enjoys receiving your hate mail.
