Family Entertainment
DVD Corner: Marley & Me
By Lindsay Berg |
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 It’s not always necessary to have an Academy Award-winning film in your DVD player. Sometimes, a light-hearted, feel good type of movie can be even better—especially when it’s the kind of film you can watch more than once, despite knowing the inevitable ending. Marley & Me is an easy, endearing film with a few laughs from comedy favorites Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson—and a lovable and adorable dog involved never really hurts, either.
Marley & Me may not be a masterpiece, but DVD collections aren’t truly complete without a mindless, silly and friendly comedy. Word to the wise: it’s no secret dogs don’t have the same life span as humans, and canines rarely ever make it to the final scene, so have tissues ready.
The film is based on real-life columnist John Grogan’s experiences with the “world’s worst dog,” Marley. The book was a New York Times bestseller, so the movie had some expectations to live up to. The safest starting point is casting two dependable, bankable actors like Wilson and Aniston.
The story begins as newlyweds John (Wilson) and Jennifer (Aniston) move into a new house in Miami, each securing jobs at separate newspapers. For the beginning half of the movie, John is mentored and influenced by his best friend super-bachelor Sebastian (Eric Dane) on marriage, work and the lessons of life. John is disappointed by his career opportunities and stressing out about Jennifer’s desire to have a baby. As instructed by Sebastian, the quick fix is a puppy.
 Marley (named after Bob Marley) begins as a typical, misbehaving and untrained Labrador puppy, but really never grows out of the phase. It’s bizarre how a destructive, crazy dog can be so cute and funny, when it would be quite the contrary if it was a child. Even after a tireless amount of “No! Marley!” and “Bad dog!,” John and Jennifer learn that a puppy is a lot easier to handle than a child…and then another child..and then another child. Marley begins to lose his charm and drives Jennifer into a miserable state. Nonetheless, no matter how bad he is, John loves him unconditionally, like a child of his own. Marley ends up being John’s stability and only ally.
The film continues as the family adapts to a busy way of life, and John and Jennifer end up sacrificing their earlier career goals because of it. Fights ensue, frustrations gets the best of them and their life seems to spin wildly out of control. Marley, however, is always constant and influential in all steps along the way: a shoulder to lean on during the tough times, a comedian in moments of tension, heartwarming as the children’s playmate, a scapegoat in a marital fight and an unconditionally-loving best friend.
Once John finally lands the job he thought he had always wanted, the family moves to Pennsylvania and becomes the quintessential suburban family. Unfortunately, Marley starts to lose his tenacity and energy, and it’s difficult not to expect the destined end.
 Wilson and Aniston lack on-screen romantic chemistry and come off as the best friends-type. Still, like their usual performances, they are relatable and accessible, so it’s difficult for viewers not to like them. Alan Arkin, who plays John’s editor in Miami, offers a tough-love perspective, and just like Wilson and Aniston, he’s naturally likeable. Dane is reminiscent of his “Dr. McSteamy” character on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He’s sexy, chauvinistic and quite the ladies’ man. Nothing new there.
The overall direction of the film by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) is inviting and smooth. Once the film is on the verge of monotony, it quickly speeds up. Likewise, when too much is happening all at once, it slows down for a bit. This tactic is actually a difficult aspect to execute, because one may question just how many shoes can be eaten and how many times marital fights can occur without losing complete interest. Marley & Me actually keeps a steady pace and ends up being a nice little family film.
Typical of comedies these days, the Marley & Me DVD is packed with extras. The 2-Disc Bad Dog Edition (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, MSRP: $34.98) contains an extensive menu, first with the obvious deleted scenes option. A film such as this doesn’t really need this bonus feature, particularly because the 19 scenes featured on the DVD weren’t deleted from the finished film because they were the worst of the best takes (which are famously present on Will Ferrell DVDs), but because they just weren’t necessary.
 A gag reel is always a great little extra on DVDs—most of the time. The gag reel for Marley & Me, though, seems like a short film. There is a title sequence, a soundtrack and footage which is hardly anything worth watching. Apparently, not all gag reels are what their name implies.
The “Finding Marley” featurette is one of the best bonus features of the bunch. Twenty-two dogs were used in the film and this special feature is an inside look on how it all worked. Animal training, particularly for comedies, is an interesting subject to watch.
The only other worthwhile featurette is the “Animal Adoption” segment on pet adoption and advice. Whether you are a potential dog-owner or not, it still is an interesting and informative few minutes.
The rest of the bonus features are just piled-on nonsense. “On Set with Marley: Dog of All Trades” is an interview with a dog, “Breaking the Golden Rule” is a behind-the-scenes-type featurette and the Purina Dog Chow extras are a lame version of the Westminster Dog Show. Overall, it may not be worth the extra money for the 2-Disc Bad Dog Edition unless you want the digital copy of the movie to watch on the go. The best of the bonus features are really only appealing the first-time around, so if you’re looking to save a few dollars, stick with the Single-Disc Edition (MSRP: $29.98).
Marley & Me is now available on DVD.
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