Marley and Me ***

Cast: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner, Alan Arkin
Director: David Frankel
Running Length: 2:03
MPAA Classification: PG

John Grogan (Wilson) and his wife Jennifer (Aniston) decide to get a dog soon after getting married. Marley, a yellow Lab, becomes part of the family, and although he is cute and loveable, he is not a model dog. He fails obedience school, and chews on just about anything. He terrorizes the dog-sitter as well. Despite all that, the Grogans love him, and when they begin to have kids and things get crazy, Marley is the constant.

Based on the memoir by John Grogan, “Marley & Me” is a good adaptation. The movie captures most of the key moments in the book, and manages to be true to its spirit as well. Wilson and Aniston have good chemistry with each other and with the dogs playing Marley. It’s funny without being a comedy and serious without being a drama. “Marley & Me” is an excellent choice for a family movie. Anyone who has ever had a dog will appreciate this film, and everyone else will enjoy it too.