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Anyone who has ever had a pet, either good or bad, can relate to a story about the supposed “world’s worst dog.” While not a great film, I can foresee Marley & Me being a family favorite in much the same way that Old Yeller has become. Maybe there is something about Labrador Retrievers that tug at those ol’ heart strings. Or, as I am more willing to believe, the family pet is an almost universal shared experience.

Based upon the very successful, best-selling book of the same name, it is tough not to think that much of the audience already knows the outcome of the story. In fact, most of the audience will understand where the story is going before the end of the film. This makes it no less emotional.

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The film stars Owen Wilson who plays “John Grogan”, a newspaper writer reveling in newlywed bliss with his wife played by Jennifer Aniston. As a birthday present, John decides to buy a puppy to quell the feelings of motherhood from his wife. “Marley”, from the get-go, turns out to be a terror. He will not listen, he chews everything, eats constantly and is forever chasing whatever passes into view. Though exasperated, the Grogans love Marley for the simple fact that he loves them in return. The family grows and Marley stays with them through the tough times and the bad.

Yes, I cried. I have not done that while watching a movie in at least five years. Marley does an exceptional job connecting with the audience. I could not help but remember my own dog, Lucky. Growing up, she was always there. She was a Border Collie, originally trained as a sheep dog until she was kicked in the head and became too scared to get close enough to be of any help. She had this quirk where she would try and herd any vehicle that pulled into our yard, running in circles around it and nipping at the tires. She was still with the family as I went away for University. She eventually slowed down. Her sight was not that good anymore and it took her a while to get to her feet.

I was home for Thanksgiving, in my second year of University, not knowing that it would be the last time I would ever see her. My mother let me know a few days later that they had to put her down. I was devastated. While only an animal, I still had never been able to say goodbye. Maybe that is for the best. She may have known something was wrong if I had shown signs of what was going to happen. . .

Marley runs a bit too long, especially in the middle where the same point is hammered home a few too many times. You also never believe that Jennifer Aniston is a mother of three. However, even with these faults, the film is still good family entertainment.

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