Marley and Me

Early on in this very likeable dramady John Grogan decides to adopt a Labrador Retriever that he names after Bob Marley, as a birthday surprise for his wife Jennifer, at the urging of his best friend Sebastian. He doesn't feel quite ready for a child and Sebastian convinces him that a dog will help complete his family for the time being, without all the obligations that a child would ensue. Big mistake, as he soon finds out that he has adopted the dog equivalent of Dennis the Menace, Chucky, and Jaws, all rolled up into one. Of course Marley is as lovable as can be throughout all the destruction he causes, and let's hope that the Grogans got all their furniture, bedding, and just about anything else in their house at a steep discount. Owen Wilson plays John Grogan as a wannabe newspaper reporter who ends up as a successful columnist and who envies his friend Sebastian, who writes hard hitting pieces for the New York Times. Mr. Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, who plays his wife, have a great chemistry together and they are quite believable as a couple. Eric Dane plays Sebastian as basically his same "himbo" character from Grey's Anatomy, as he uses Marley, and then the Grogan's eventual kids to pick up South Beach hotties. Time for Mr. Dane to branch out. Owen Wilson usually plays the laid-back and unflappable slacker, which he does in this film, minus the slacker part. If you enjoy that character, as I do, you'll enjoy the film even more. Alan Arkin is excellent as Grogan's gruff and lovable (is there any other kind) editor, and Kathleen Turner plays a very demanding, and scary dog trainer. By the way if you haven't seen Ms. Turner since Body Heat, brace yourself. This film tackles a number of issues that many couples go through, such as career and family decisions, in an entertaining, and oftentimes serious way, and is not just a film that says, "hey, look at that dog". The film is based on Mr. Grogan's book of the same name, which I didn't read, so I have no idea how true the film is to the book. In any event, although Marley is a far cry from Lassie, you'll love him anyway. One note: The film is rated PG and it's pretty safe for kids but just be warned that it takes a more serious turn near the end.

Rating - Light 3