Marley and Me ~ A Must See

I went with my family to see “Marley and Me” yesterday afternoon.  We were completely taken with the trailers for the movie; especially the scene where Marley is running along side the car with his front legs on the ground and his back legs held securely by John, Marley’s person played by Owen Wilson.  I laugh every time I see it and I’ve seen it A LOT!

My Marley (Ashki)

This movie touched me on so many levels I don’t know where to begin…so we’ll start with the pooch.  Marley’s character, like many canine companions that grace our lives, is all about being in the moment and doing what comes naturally…and if that means eating an entire  50 lb. bag of kibble in one sitting or eating the family sofa for a snack, well then that’s what it means.  Marley is hopelessly upbeat, full of energy and charged with enough love to light New York city.  He’s endearing; you can’t help but love him…even if he can destroy an entire garage in a matter of minutes.  Marley gets into our hearts and grabs hold so tight we’re not sure we’ll be able to breathe unless he’s right there by our sides.  Marley is the best and the worst of any dog you’ve ever met.  Marley is pure love.  Marley lives without regret.  Marley, while being just slightly unorthodox in his ways, teaches us lessons that will stay with us for lifetimes.

John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston) are a newly married couple making their way in the world.  They’re both writers.  Jenny, a well known columnist and John, a self-proclaimed reporter.  They move to Florida from Michigan to be with the sun and to start their new life together.  John and Jenny get jobs…Jenny gets newspaper space large enough that it could wallpaper an entire room in one issue while John gets less than a quarter column buried deep inside the paper to report stories that you have to wonder if anyone cares about.  The story continues to unfold when “Discount Puppy”, Marley comes into their lives.

From here forward we witness John and Jenny’s growth as human beings.  We see them begin to recognize what matters to each of them, and we see that what they thought mattered sometimes really doesn’t.  We learn that holding on to an old dream, believing it’s still important, when realized can translate to something so stale and old we wonder why we ever dreamed it in the first place.  We see that children add an element to a couple’s existence that is both the greatest miracle and the greatest challenge they’ll ever face.  (Don’t I know that one!)  We see that humor heals many wounds and that love transcends the darkest of times.

Marley and Me touches the soul.  Deeply.  It engages your heart and tickles you silly.  It plays with your thoughts and questions your choices.  Marley and Me mixes your emotions like taffy being pulled…stretching and turning between immense joy and deep sadness…all of it good, sweet and colorful.

If ever you’ve experienced a canine friend relationship that rivals any other relationship in your life in its depth of emotion and love, then Marley and Me will touch you beyond belief.  Go see it.  Bring someone you love.  (Too bad they don’t allow dogs at the theater…although upon considering this further it’s really not a good plan as this may give your favorite pooch some behavioral issues and ideas that are better left on the movie screen!)  Bring some tissue.  Yes, lots of crying along with the laughing; I just want you to be prepared.  Enjoy the movie.  …and then go home and give your Marley the biggest Hug of Love ever!!