Movie Review: Marley & Me

MARLEY & ME

Main Players: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, et al.

Calling the shots: David Frankel

Running time: 120mins

What's it about? John and Jen has just gotten married. They've just moved into their first home and both have comfy jobs (if it's not doing exactly what they would like). They are ready for the next step, but before children, they decide to get a pup. Little do they know, they are about to pick up a "clearance puppy" that will change their lives forever. Cue the laughter, love and the inevitable.

What did I think? This one is a little hit and miss for my liking. I've revealed that I'm a big kid at heart. But I also enjoy my fair share of rom-coms and just romantic dribble in general (who didn't ball their eyes out in "The Notebook", c'mon!).

It's a more mature romantic/comedy/drama and it's not funny enough for an Owen Wilson movie and too tear-jerky for a Jennifer Aniston movie. Irony is, as sad as the ending is, you are given plenty of time to prepare for it because you know it's coming.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston do share a nice chemistry and it's part of the reason this movie is watchable. Fans of either won't be too disappointed with their efforts unless you are particularly after the stereotypes I mentioned before. They are well supported by some strong actors, non bigger than Alan Arkin who continues his dive into comedies (more or less) with success. Eric Dane is also good as the guy Owen Wilson's character "could have been" and dog trainer Kathleen Turner literally steal the scene with her (now) "plus-size" frame.

But the real stars of the movie are the dogs (I've been told 22 of them) that play the role of Marley. Incredibly adorably cute as a pup, huge and destructive but also caring as a full grown and old and ready to go later on. Marley literally is the heart of the movie and it's often his antics that will make you laugh, smile and cry through out the movie. He literally is the world's worst dog you'll ever love.

The movie does drag in parts. With a massive running time for this kind of movie, it almost out stays it's welcome. But thankfully, for the most part it's well handle by all involved.

#1 with a bullet in the US, it's unlikely it'll repeat that kind of success in Australia but it's a safe movie to take your date to...or your dog.

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