Marley & Me is a movie about a bad dog.  A really bad dog.  One who gives new meaning to "mischievous".  But if you think it's just another silly movie about a bad dog, think again.  This movie is so much more, exploring themes of life cycles, and growing up, and finding out what's really important in life.  Adapted from the best-selling novel by the same name, and based on a true story, this movie is more than another dog tale.

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston play John and Jennifer Grogan.  We see them get married, and decide to start their life in South Florida.  John is a hopeful reporter, but ends up being a very popular columnist for the Sun Sentinel. 

Now is a good time to mention that South Floridians like myself will really enjoy this movie, as much of it takes place right here, and we get to see many familiar sites.  In fact, I'm sure many South Floridians will remember Grogan's column, and the daily chronicles of his life, his family, and of course, his dog Marley.

Yes, the Grogans adopt an adorable yellow lab puppy whom they name Marley, and their lives have not been the same ever since.  Because Marley's a handful.  He's big, strong, and completely out-of-control.  Dubbed "the world's worst dog", and kicked out of obedience class on day one, Marley would try anyone's patience. Jumping, chewing, and just  being a general nuisance, his owners are often exasperated with him.  Especially Jennifer.  When three kids come along, she is understandably overwhelmed, and Marley sure doesn't make it any easier on her.

The movie follows 14 years in the Grogans' lives.  And while there are plenty of scenes of Marley just being Marley, so much more is going on.  Because along the way, John and Jennifer will change from the wide-eyed idealists they were as newlyweds, to the overworked, overwhelmed, frequently over-anxious couple that many people become when reality sets in.  We change so much over the course of a marriage, and our priorities change, and what seemed important at the beginning is so far removed from what's important now.  And these are the lessons that the Grogans learn. 

So, yes, there are many cute scenes of Marley being a pain.  And these are fun for dog-lovers like myself.  People who can giggle watching a dog chew yet another piece of furniture, yet another doggie-escape, and the constant havoc that a dog who's not so very well housetrained can wreck. 

But even if you're not a dog-lover, even if none of the above sounds even remotely funny to you, I think there's still something in the movie for you.  Because almost as much time is spent watching a couple change, and grow, as is spent on the dog.  The relationship between husband and wife is just as deeply explored as the relationship between owner and dog.  I thought this part of the movie was very realistic, very well done.  Of course, if you're not a dog-lover, you won't appreciate most of this movie, but I don't think you'll hate it, either.

The performances are pretty good, even though Aniston and Wilson never aged a day, let alone 14 years.  If you can overlook that flaw, I think both actors did an admirable job in this movie.  The three kids are gorgeous, and fun to watch.  Especially Lucy Merriam as the little girl - this 6 year-old actress has been one of my favorites since I first saw her two years ago... keep an eye on her... I predict great things from her.  Alan Arkin is really fun as Arnie Klein, Grogan's monotone editor at the Sun Sentinel.  I'm not sure how realistic the relationship is, between columnist and editor, but it made for fun viewing, even if they stretched the truth a little bit here.

One character I could have done without was Grogan's best friend Sebastian, played by Eric Dane.  Although I like Dane, I simply didn't care for his character here.  A perpetual bachelor, he doesn't change a whit in 14 years, and he doesn't add anything to the story.

So, is this a good movie for kids?

Well, yes and no.  During the first three-quarters of the movie, there are only a couple themes and references that might be inappropriate for a kid to see.  For instance there are a few obligatory jokes centering around Marley's neutering.  I'll let you use your imagination on those. 

Then there's the final quarter.  I don't want to spoil anything, but it is 14 years later.  Dogs age a lot in 14 years, and some of the ending scenes might be disturbing for younger viewers.  I would say that parents should use their judgment when it comes to the little ones. 

But as an adult dog-lover, living in South Florida, this movie was made for me.

Recommended: Yes