John Grogan (Owen Wilson) is a recently married reporter who moves with his wife Jen (Jennifer Aniston) to Florida and gets a job at a paper there. On the advice of his friend Sebastian (Eric Dane), John stalls Jen’s baby talk by getting her a puppy. They name him Marley, and from the moment they bring the yellow lab home, he is the world’s worst-behaved dog. He eats everything and fails obedience class. John is given a column that Marley features into a lot over years of three kids and another move. Then, bad news strikes.
CRITIQUE
There is an old addage in acting: Never work with kids or animals. This became archaic a long while ago, though, because the sentiment was actually about not being upstaged. (There’s actually an extra on this disc about that!) Comedy pros Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston have tossed the idea that actors can’t share the screen out the window with this film. Through humor and pathos, the real-life experience of a family with their dog in Marley and Me touches the audience’s heart while entertaining them.
Pet-owning is now a significant part of American culture, and to see a film that celebrates that, even in an ill-behaved dog, is a positive thing. Most films that feature dogs are family films, with the dogs just having adventures. This film, however, is truly about the relationship between people and their pets, as well as the big issue of being happy with your life. This is to be commended, though a lot of Marley’s shenanigans are quite silly at first. (There’s actually a moment where he humps the leg of the obedience trainer- like that gag hasn’t been done to death.)
As the story goes on, though, Frankel’s direction really goes a long way toward emphasizing the improving script. His choice of camera angles and movement is unobtrusive throughout, allowing the emotion of the story center stage. Especially at the end of the narrative, this is a definite asset. (I won’t spoil anything except to say that tissues will be required.) There are a couple of funny montages with voice-over, one from Wilson and one from Aniston, that really entertain and feature nice editing as well.
Wilson and Aniston give wonderful performances outside of those montages as well. Wilson, always very adept with comedy, takes on a more Everyman quality in this role than he has ever had before and it really works for him. Aniston similarly fits the mold of wife and mother onscreen well too. They’re a nice presence together. Marley and Me is heartwarming and sad, memorable in both story and performances.
THE VIDEO
Again, widescreen is the format for this disc and it is as excellent as ever for home viewing. A transfer of picture and color that is free of glitches also makes the format work well.
THE AUDIO
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround is expected for the English track, and it performs as perfectly as usual. There are also Spanish and French Dolby Digital surround language tracks, but only English and Spanish subtitles.
THE EXTRAS
Deleted Scenes: In total, 19 scenes are included here, of which only a handful are extended. Most of these are worth watching, especially the one showing John and Jen’s morning on their Irish vacation. Director Frankel also provides audio commentary discussing the scenes and why they were cut. This is always a nice touch, and Frankel makes it particularly informative.
Finding Marley: The various dogs who played Marley and their specialties on screen are covered in this doc. It’s cute to learn that one dog, Clyde, was “untrained” so he could film Marley’s bad behavior.
Breaking the Golden Rule: This is that extra about breaking that rule of not working with kids or animals, and it’s basically a behind-the-scenes doc. Lots of good interviews from Frankel, the cast, and the real John Grogan provide a lot to enjoy. Near the end, cast member Eric Dane says something that is especially in tune with what the film is about.
On Set With Marley: A Dog of All Trades: This extra is a cute-silly bit showing Marley wanting to be a director and giving tips for filmmakers. They fit a camera on the dog and got footage from that point-of-view to add in here, too. Okay to watch once.
Animal Adoption: Excellently bringing the idea of adopting a pet from a shelter to attention, this bonus feature focuses on adopt-a-pet .com and convincingly puts forth the case for adopting from a shelter as opposed to a breeder or pet store.
Purina Dog Chow Video Contest Finalists: Collected here are 12 videos that were finalists in a contest connected with this film held by Purina. The dogs featured in them are all entertaining and will steal your heart. I like the thought put into the one for Klepto Kate.
Purina Dog Chow Video Hall of Fame: Also in the above contest, the five dogs shown here were presumably the winners. There are 5 in all and, again, they will make you laugh and smile. Check out Lily (that’s the name of my little dog!) and Spike, especially.
Gag Reel: Just like most of these, this gag reel is funny throughout. Most will probably not want to watch it more than once, though.
When Not to Pee: A bit about how the end of one scene came about because of the bad behavior of one of the dogs playing Marley is briefly touched on here. It’s pretty funny, but again probably worth only one watch.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Marley and Me has solid direction and a story that elicits both laughs and tears. The cast is terrific too. Even audience members who aren’t fans of films about dogs will probably like this film, and the extras on this disc are enjoyable watching as well. Buying, or at least renting, Marley and Me is the right decision for those wanting a heartwarming viewing experience.
