Marley & Ich (Marley & Me)
U.S.A. 2008

Opening 5 Mar 2009

Directed by: David Frankel
Writing credits: Scott Frank, Don Roos, John Grogan
Principal actors: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner, Alan Arkin

Famed journalist John Grogan in his book, Marley & Me, describes an adventurous life with his unruly Labrador retriever. His premise makes way for the collaboration from screenwriters Scott Frank, Don Ross and filmmaker David Frankel in their film under the same name, Marley & Me.

Shortly after John (Owen Wilson) and Jen (Jennifer Aniston) wed, they land writing jobs in Florida – John, with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale and Jen, at The Palm Beach Post. To celebrate, John presents his beloved with an adorable looking Labrador puppy (Marley). Marley’s adjustment to the human couple begins with a battle of the wills against his master to defy obedience at all cost. The days of dog rearing never seem to end for John and Jen.

In the midst of educating Marley, John’s boss, Arnie Klein (Alan Arkin), asks him to fill-in and write for the newspapers Columnist spot for a couple of weeks. He reluctantly agrees because he clearly states that he is a Reporter and not a Columnist. Arnie isn’t too concerned with his back-handed comments and encourages John to write about something that incorporates drama in his personal life. John is quick to note that he can write about the daily mishaps with his nut-case dog, Marley. To John’s surprise, his column is a hit that increases the newspaper sales at a rapid pace. Arnie offers John the Columnist position, which he eventually turns in a collection of writings the public follows religiously. Reminiscent, the real journalist John Grogan recalls, “At the time, I had no idea our loopy, attention-deficit dog would someday provide me the inspiration to fulfill a lifelong dream of writing a book.”

This delightful narrative eloquently communicates that one can truly be happy and content with the quirkiness of life. It takes guts to present a wholesome, happy life on the silver screen today, especially featuring the joys of a committed marriage, or the love of raising kids, or being content in the workplace. Hale to the brave filmmakers and production studio for their willingness to represent storylines with integrity and to pass on wholesome material to their committed audience with topics that make one ponder upon the good things in life. (Karen Pecota)