Marley and Me (and everyone else in the theatre)

Everyone knows that beloved pets have a limited life span. So, going into the film Marley & Me, as a member of the audience you’re aware that on some level, tragedy is going to hit when Marley reaches the end of his life span. This doesn’t make the need for tissues any less. Being in the theatre at the end of Marley & Me was like being in a hospital walk-in clinic during cold season – everyone was sniffling. I’m quite sure that Kleenex or Royale could have made a killing doing a promotional give away to everyone going into the theatre.

But enough about being sad. That’s just how it all ends up. The journey from beginning to end of Marley & Me is a pretty funny one, with better-than-average performances from Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. I wonder what John Grogan though of having Owen Wilson play him – not sure I *quite* see the similarities – see google for a photo.

Based on the real-life articles and life of columnist/report John Grogan, Marley & Me follows the Grogans’ from their wedding day through the growth of their family, careers and other life changing events. Their family starts when they adopt Marley – a cute, twelve pound yellow Labrador, who in no time at all, grows into a 100-pound steamroller of unbridled energy that turns the Grogan home into a disaster area. Flunking obedience school, chewing dry-wall, pillows, flowers and pretty much anything in site, Marley quickly is dubbed "the world's worst dog." However, love being unconditional, in the end they realize how Marley brought out the best in them.

Anyone with a pet, who wants a pet, or has ever had a pet would probably enjoy this film even with all its emotional ups and downs.

The end of a life (and this film) is inevitable, but still heartwrenching. For me (and it’s rare that I’ll admit it) – I even had the full lower-lip tremble going on. One of my mom’s only film rules is that she refuses to watch something in public will make her cry. So mom, this one’s not for you – at least not until it comes out on DVD. But if a good communal laugh and cry is what you’re looking for, catch this one while it’s in theatres.