Rating of
4/4
The world's worst dog
patjohnson76 - wrote on 01/07/09
The book Marley and Me is oftentimes referred to as a book chronicling stories about a misbehaved dog. However, if you dig a little bit deeper, the book focuses on how one dog affects a couple, prepares them for a family, and how unconditional love from man's best friend makes someone a better person.
The directors of the flim version of Marley and Me wisely focus on the deeper themes of the book, as Wilson and Aniston play the couple that purchase a puppy that becomes a huge part of the lives. Some of the more memorable scenes from the book make it to the movie, such as Marley's fear of thunderstorms and how Marley terrorizes a dog sitter, but for the most part, some fictionalized parts have been added in to create a story of a family and their pet (Aniston is given a bigger role, colleagues and bosses are created, etc.). None of the changes and additions though, are enough to deter from the heart of this film - any pet owner will easily relate to this story.
Sure, the movie is predictable, and it's not like anyone is going to be winning any major awards with this one. But there is nothing wrong with a movie that speaks purely to your emotions, or that you can relate to. As a huge fan of the book, and a fellow Lab owner that somewhat resembles Marley, I thought I'd be able to handle the ending, but let's just say I'm glad I went to this one alone, where I could slouch down in my seat and pull a hat over my eyes. Hopefully those around me weren't frightened by my suppressed sobs.
