Marley & Me, the book, is a great investment in time and money. Marley & Me, the movie, is a different animal altogether.
Marley & Me is the true account of a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist’s life and love with Marley, the world’s worst dog. Columnist and author John Grogan rightly deserves accolades for his #1 New York Times best-selling book. Millions have flocked to the book for a poignant emotional ride and some of the funniest moments ever written. What then, happened in Hollywood?
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston Needed More True Marley
The first glaring jolt in the movie comes when John Grogan, played with gentle charisma by Owen Wilson, states that he has never had a dog. The very first line of the book, however, tells of a young ten-year-old John Grogan getting his first dog, Shaun. Such literary license, which the movie is riddled with, can often leave a bad taste in your mouth.
In Grogan’s book, Marley is bigger than life and his influence in the lives of Grogan and his wife, played by Jennifer Aniston, is palpable. Heart twinges and laughing out loud are frequent occurrences when reading the book. Yet the movie, despite its funny promotional trailers, is sprinkled with only a few hearty laughs. Worse, it relegates Marley to not much more than an undercurrent in the lives of Grogan and his wife. There are so many scenes without the dog that it is hard to truly grasp the depth of the relationship between Marley and his humans. Not so in the book.
In the book, many outrageously funny tales of Marley’s antics were told in tickling detail, but in the movie those same scenes were often reduced to a fleeting mention or bundled into a single convoluted event. Others were simply disregarded entirely to make room for fleshed-out human characters like Grogan’s boss, played perfectly by Alan Arkin, and Grogan’s hot shot bachelor-on-the-prowl reporter friend, Sebastian, played by Eric Dane. Both actors did their jobs well, but their expanded roles came at the expense of the one star that should have been in every scene in all his animated slobbering glory—the lovable doofus, Marley.
Kathleen Turner - A Missed Opportunity
One supporting character essential to Marley’s story was the dog obedience school instructor played by Kathleen Turner. Plenty of material existed for some sidesplitting scenes at obedience school, but like so many of Marley’s memorable moments, the situation was condensed. The result? The viewer not only lost out on timeless Marley behavior but also on potentially hilarious fodder for the always-engaging Ms. Turner.
John Grogan Wrote It Better
And for all that was omitted or altered, one event stretched on for what seemed to be an eternity—Marley’s death. The heart wrenching sorrow of Marley’s last days offered the human actors plenty of opportunities to showcase their acting chops, but those final, very long, scenes so overshadowed the rest of the movie that the sadness may be all you remember as you exit the theater. That’s no tribute to the fun-at-any-cost Marley. And it’s no tribute to John Grogan whose warm and witty book has far more laughs than tears.
To know the true Marley, to get inside his hard-as-a-rock head and his big-lug heart, to find entertainment in his every misbegotten adventure, read the book. If you only see the movie you will surely miss out on the remarkably fascinating and funny soul that was Marley, the world’s worst dog.
The copyright of the article Marley & Me - Movie Review in Romantic Comedy Films is owned by Tricia Spencer. Permission to republish Marley & Me - Movie Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I absolutely agree with everything that was said. I left the movie so
totally sad. I kept telling my mom who has not read the book, that the
movie really left out so much. Everyone must read the book to get the true
stories of loveable Marley.
Dec 28, 2008 4:02 PM
Guest :
I also agree wholeheartedly with both Ms. Spencer's review and the
previously posted comment. Marley was a loyal, loveable, goofy Lab whose
essence was not captured in the movie. So many of Marley's quirks and
antics - and even Mr. Grogan's description of his encounter with Marley's
sire, which was also absent from the movie - had me laughing so hard that I
was in tears as I was reading the book. Marley's death also had me in
tears (bawling, actually ... I, too, have a yellow Lab ... who also inhales
her food). I was nervous as my sister and I entered the theatre - I feared
I would end up sobbing uncontrollably, which I did. In retrospect,
Marley's death as portrayed in the movie was so upsetting not because of
the way it was portrayed but rather because I had felt that I had come to
know Marley through John Grogan's words and was reliving his loss.
Dec 28, 2008 4:55 PM
Guest :
Wow, I read the book shortly after getting Marley's "twin" Millie
and found laughter to help me through the frustration of a new puppy. We
are going to see the movie tomorrow night, but now I'm a little hesitant
for the pure and simple fact that the book was so incredibly well written I
don't want it spoiled by a less than equal movie.
Dec 28, 2008 8:45 PM
Guest :
The movie should not have been advertised as a comedy at all and definitely
not rated PG!! It had only a few funny scenes which we saw in the movie
trailers. The movie did not capture Marley as the book did. The sexual
scenes had every kid in the theater saying eewww and gross. The language
was not kid friendly. The end left pretty much everyone in the theater in
tears, I was sobbing so hard. How could they say that this is a family
movie? I bet there were a lot of parents having to talk about death to
their very young crying children, that they did not expect to have to do.
That was totally unfair to so many people. There should have been Kleenex
passed out with your ticket and a disclaimer !!!
Dec 29, 2008 11:47 AM
Guest :
I couldn't agree more with the last comment. We all loaded up to go to the
theater yesterday to enjoy a funny holiday movie. As I had not read the
book I had no idea what it was about other than a funny story about a dog.
I love dogs. I love funny dog movies. From the previews I saw, that's what
we expected. Funny. Past the first hour when it became clear where the
movie was headed, it was no longer a funny dog story. I watched the last
half of the movie with dread knowing the ultimate outcome. Already somewhat
depressed about personal issues at home, we left the theater more sad than
ever. The acting was great and story touching. I just wish that they hadn't
advertised it as a heartwarming family movie. Death while real isn't
heartwarming and I just wish we had been given some warning.
Dec 29, 2008 1:33 PM
Guest :
I agree with everyones comments. I hurried up and read the book the week
before I saw the movie--bad mistake. The book was wonderful. It was so
well written with Mr. Grogans sharp wit. It had me laughing and crying out
loud. Many times my own lab would run over to see what was wrong as I was
reading because tears were streaming down my face. On the other hand, the
movie was very choppy. Parts that were funny and heartfelt in the book were
left out or combined in split second scenes. I thought the acting (except
for Marley) and writing of the movie was horrible. This movie should have
had me sobbing but instead I was angry that they missed the boat on this
one.
Dec 29, 2008 8:00 PM
Guest :
A friend of the family warned my husband today to absolutely not take the
family to see the movie. He gave less detail so knowing this friend has
always been right on for us made me wonder. Thank you so much for your
reviews. Our friend stated exactly what you all have said. I was so looking
forward to a funny dog story as a number of my friends are fighting cancer
right now and we wanted a little humour. I will go by the book instead
now.
Dec 30, 2008 5:36 PM
Guest :
Yes. I agrre (i am probably saying the same thing as everyone else and i am
sorry.) I didn't finish reading the book because i lost it, I think i left
it down the shore. But i knew what happened in the end. The book couldn't
end without Marley dying. But my mom told me, or was it my sister. Oh i
forget. Oneof them told me that the dog in the movie was a girl. That would
just ruin the story. I am a girl my self. But i think it is just funny
having Marley a doppy male dog. It just gives it a certain effect that i
can not put my finger on, but i think who ever reads this can relate. I
loved this book. I looked everywhere for it! I wanted to read it so bad. I
am happy that it has become a movie. Such a sweet book. And I amlooking
forward to seeing it in the theaters (after i borrow it or buy it or even
find it! and finish it).
Dec 31, 2008 6:56 AM
Guest :
why hasn't anyone complained about this? That the 2 hollywood stars never
age? they start out looking like fabulous mid 30-somethings and end the
movie, which is supposed to span, what 15 years or so, looking identical!
Same hair, same bodies, same clothing styles. Shouldn't they have aged a
little, or looked younger to start with? Why did they use 22 dogs, and
they can't even put a wig on Jennifer Aniston? Well we all know, they
wouldn't be the stars they are without their signature look, her hair and
Owen's tousled blond locks. At the beginning of the movie, their wedding,
taking place in an April snowstorm in Michigan, and they both looked like
bronze greek gods/goddesses. That's not what I look like after a midwest
winter. That is what made the movie unbelievable to me. And I never
grew to love the dog, there weren't enough tender moments with him, only
scenes of him destroying their house. I was amazed in the necklace eating
scene that they could have candles lit, with his big tail swashing around.
Just little things like this could have made the movies more believable.
Dec 31, 2008 2:42 PM
Guest :
I just came from the theatre and let me tell you...I am so disappointed!!!
I agree with the guest dated Dec 31, 2008 6:56 AM. Also, I agree with the
majority of the guests here. My recommendation: read the book and have a
lot of kleenex with you. I brought it to the show and used just one! I am
a very emotional person and I thought I would be crying through the whole
thing too, but nope! I am not a reader either. I think I read maybe 8
books in my whole life and I am 39 years old. This is the best book that I
have ever read. Every one should read it and skip the movie!
Jan 2, 2009 7:30 AM
Guest :
I just saw the movie yesterday and agree whol heartedly... If you love
dogs...READ the book. John Gogan's words bring you right into the family..
You become part of them. The movie does too... but if you have NOT read the
book You MISS the importance of Marley.With the book, I laughed so much (
memories of my own marley type dog) and of course cried. I did use 3
tissues in the movie... but was it becuase of the movie or remembering the
words of the book?? I think... the book. Owen Wilson plays the role
of John very well. Jennifer Aniston was just OK( but that was due to the
directors ) not her acting.... I did like the role of the older boy toward
the end. Read the Book!!!
Jan 2, 2009 10:18 PM
Guest :
This movie is definitely not for children - the drawn out death scene, the
acting was unbelievably bad, the dogs actions - give me a break. Who wants
to see that, especially with young children. Hasn't Disney shown producers
and directors what is family entertainment and what isn't. Neither one of
these actors are parent figures and the whole movie was a train wreck.
They owe us our money back.
Jan 3, 2009 6:26 PM
Guest :
I cried @ the end of the book, but the way John Grogan wrote I knew Marley
had a wonderful & long life. You never want to lose them but the book
was a celebration of Marley's life. The movie was irreverant to a great dog
and a great book. That drawn out death scene was horrible! They omitted or
changed some best parts of the book. Read the book!! I read a lot and was
first book I've had to put down beause laughing so hard. I've read it twice
and will read it again. Was really looking forward to owing the movie
because I'm such a Marley fan, but will never watch it again!!
Jan 3, 2009 10:54 PM
Guest :
I completely agree with your review of this movie and am glad to know that
I am not alone in my disappointment. I loved the book and my tweener
daughters read and loved the children's version. I understand that
translating a movie from a book is difficult but I believe they lost the
true essence of Marley and his relationship with John & Jennifer Grogan
in the movie. My husband and I had our first 'child', an extremely loyal,
exuberant retriever who we also had to put down so I related to the
laughter and tears of Mr. Grogan's book. This movie was more about a
Hollywood version of the Grogans with not enough Marley. Also, since
there were so many children's versions of the book, I was hoping that my
daughters could enjoy it as well but the movie had many sexual references
that made my daughters very uncomfortable throughout most of the movie.
Jan 5, 2009 10:25 AM
Guest :
I was also very disappointed when I saw the movie (I read the book a few
months before the movie came out), especially when the scene with the
neighbor's daughter (I'm not going into detail for those who have not read
the book or seen the movie)how they didn't go into detail about Marley
being there, which was sort of the turning point of him being labeled as
"The World's Worst Dog" and doesn't just leave you thinking he
was just a destructive dog.
Jan 5, 2009 7:55 PM
Guest :
I completely agree...I read the book in 2 days back in May, and since then
I had been dying for the movie to be released..I wanted to see it SO bad. I
finally got to see it today, and I was sooo disappointed. I walked out of
the theatre not believing that I'd waited 7 long months for THAT. I know
that when movies are made based on books, they're never 100%...and I
expected that going into it today..but seriously..this one is WAY off the
mark.
Jan 6, 2009 11:08 AM
Guest :
I have not read the book but thought the movie was excellent. However
definitely not a movie for young children. My husband & I both sobbed.
But I liked the fact that it was also a story about life, not just Marley.
I thought it incorporated enough of life's story and Marley to give the
best to all. A must see.
Jan 7, 2009 11:52 PM
Guest :
ABSOLUTELY BEYOND DEPRESSING!!! Two girlfriends and I attend the movie on
Jan. 6th for my Birthday. We WANTED to laugh and have a good time.
Well.....so much for that! We got up and left sobbing before the final
scene was over. Any animal lover will tell you, it is hard enough to go
threw a pet death, let alone having to WATCH the whole thing on a HUGE
movie screen!! THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING SIGN!!!!!!!!
Jan 9, 2009 6:25 PM
Guest :
I read the book and thought it was great but when I went to go and see the
movie with my girlfriend and my boyfriend we all walked out crying....I
loved the movie but I mean really you had to make it sad.
Jan 10, 2009 7:10 AM
Guest :
I read the Marley a dog like no other but I have not yet seen the movie or
read Marley and me. I have heard that the book as like sexual stuff or
something but im only 12 but a big reader, do u think its bad for a 12 year
old to read marley and me?
Jan 10, 2009 9:55 AM
Guest :
i think the movie was good,but i think the most funniest part of the movie
was when the dog trainer blew the whsitle and he took her down and started
humping her,that was just hillarious
Feb 13, 2009 5:45 AM
Guest :
I read the book and loved it!.Animal lover or not, it was beautifully
written.After reading the book I knew they were making a movie.Impatiently
waited... LIKED the movie ,you have to give the movie some credit. Never expected it to be in the same as the book (reading fired the
imagination,when its well written).
Feb 20, 2009 3:55 PM
Guest :
i had a dog called dougal and he was the best dog in the world, i couldnt
have asked for a better one. But he died two years ago. When we got another
dog we called him dougal juinor or D.J for short. while dougal had never
done anything bad in his whole life d.j is just like marley and has done
endless things that have gotten him in trouble. i have read marley and me
and seen the movie and the book is much better than the movie but at the
end of each i cried my heart out thinking about both of them. This story
has touched my heart and i will never forget it
Mar 2, 2009 4:28 PM
Guest :
Marley and Me the book is the BEST book I have read! It has many adjectives
and adverbs. It is very describtive. It does not have thst many sad parts.
It is mostly very, very, very FUNNY!! The movie may make you sad and you
may cry but, the book is basicly fun and exiting. Many parts of the second
half include their 3 children. Marly is an exiting, big, likes-to-chew,
loveable dog. He was a VERY large trouble-maker.
Mar 15, 2009 6:16 PM
Guest :
i loved this book
Mar 27, 2009 10:39 AM
Guest :
this book sounds a very good book i reali want to see the movie or read the
book!!!!!!!
Apr 1, 2009 7:17 PM
Guest :
What is with everyone always slamming a movie in comparison to a book...do
you wanna sit in a Theatre for three months since that is the average time
it takes a person to finish a book???.....I read the book and loved the
movie..a movie is only supposed to capture the SPIRIT of a book and Marley
did that amaizngly
May 21, 2009 1:32 AM
Guest :
it was really good
May 21, 2009 1:33 AM
Guest :
super duper woop woop
Nov 7, 2009 2:42 AM
Sharon Kirby :
While I think this is an excellent review, I am disappointed by all the
negative comments about the movie that it prompted, it wasn't that bad!
Film adaptations almost NEVER live up to the book version of a story, for
many reasons. I agree there was a lot more sadness in the movie than the
trailers would have us believe, and it isn't really a 'feel good' movie
because of the heart-wrenching ending, but I did laugh a lot during this
film. It's a shame that reading the book first seems to have ruined the
film for so many people, because I loved it, but having read all these
comments I very much want to read the book. I'm just glad I watched the
film first!
