I've got just over 150000 points till Gold, that still seems a hell of a long way to go lol
I've got just over 150000 points till Gold, that still seems a hell of a long way to go lol
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Having got married and moved to Florida newspaper journalist John and Jennifer Grogan are ready to set up their new home together. In a bid to delay Jennifer's desire to have kids, John decides to buy her a Labrador puppy, Marley, for her birthday. The proceeding story deals with the puppy growing up into a 100 pound dog who retains the energy and discipline he had as a puppy. Along the way Marley provides John with plenty of material for his newspaper column and as their family grows the film highlights the importance the dog plays in all of their lives.
This is another film that I have to be honest and say I wasn't that bothered about seeing. It was one that Jenny wanted to see from the first time she saw the trailer but I didn't think it really appealed to me at all. We sat down to watch it last night and I have to be honest I was incredibly surprised by how much I did enjoy it. It's a hard film to classify into a certain category but it is billed as a dramatic comedy and the combination surprised me to how well the two categories merged.
Of course part of my disinterest in this movie was down to the director, David Frankel whose last film was The Devil Wears Prada. This had the makings of being just another slushy family movie but something about the story really appeals. The director uses some very clever filming techniques to really capture the energy of Marley. There are some very funny moments that through clever filming and getting the dog to do certain tricks work particularly well. Of course there are a few corny moments that the director uses with great effect to add a few romantic touches to the movie as well.
The film is based on the book of the same name by John Grogan and his life with his Labrador and the effect it had on his family. The screenplay works well and if you're a dog person you'll find that the story really plays on that side of you. Throughout the film Jen was making all the sorts of noises she normally makes when she sees her own dogs doing cute things, which I think is a real testament to the good job the director has done in portraying this movie. It has a lot of funny moments but it also has a number of sadder moments that really play on your heart strings.
With a cast that includes Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston it would have been fair to assume one of them would be the main star. While both put in very good performances the dogs playing the various stages of Marley really steal the show. There is something loveable about the out of control puppy, probably the fact he belongs to someone else and you find yourself forming a bond with the dog throughout the movie. The direction and way the script is written lead you into loving the dog and it certainly works.
It seems strange to think that actors like Wilson and Aniston would play the supporting cast to a dog but that's exactly what happens here. There is chemistry between them and they are both very convincing in their role but you'll find that all you really care about is their relationships to the dog. The same can be said for every character in the film. It's not like there are any bad performances it's just the way the film has been shot and written that makes this film work where it might have failed had the focus been on one or other of the lead actors.
Overall I have to say that I was very impressed with Marley and Me. Despite my desire to not see the film I actually ended up really enjoying it and I have decided that when Jen chooses a film I'll leave it till after it's finished to form an opinion. I'd heard good things about the movie and it does play on your emotions with some very happy and funny moments, equally there are some sadder moments, but it all works to create an enjoyable film. If you like films with a touch of real life about them then this is a movie for you.
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Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Makes you want to treasure each day with your loved ones like it will be your last Disadvantages: It is sad in places - but that is what makes the film - so not all bad!
Cookie-Crumbled 02.11.2009 (02.11.2009)
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Review of Marley And Me (DVD)
Advantages: Makes you want to treasure each day with your loved ones like it will be your last Disadvantages: It is sad in places - but that is what makes the film - so not all bad!
Cookie-Crumbled 02.11.2009 (02.11.2009)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Marley And Me (DVD)
Oct 21st, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
