Marley & Me (PG, 2008)
common sense media says
Touching comedy deals with emotional themes.
parents & educators say
- 31% say sexual content is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although the lighter side of this family-targeted dramedy has been played up in the marketing campaign, it does tackle themes like loss and mourning. While Marley's rambunctious antics will certainly amuse kids, there's some emotionally challenging material here. On the up side, there's not a lot of other problematic content; language is mild ("ass" and "damn") and sexuality is more implied than shown, though the characters do discuss topics like getting pregnant, and there's one nude swimming scene (but nothing much is on display).
Positive role models:
Sebastian is a womanizer, and he uses props to entice women whenever he
can -- including using Marley as babe bait and even pushing a stroller
over to a comely woman for attention. Marley can bring out
less-than-honorable behavior in people. His misbehavior prompts John to
call him "the worst dog in the world" and causes Jenny to demand that
he be taken from the house and put in a shelter.
can -- including using Marley as babe bait and even pushing a stroller
over to a comely woman for attention. Marley can bring out
less-than-honorable behavior in people. His misbehavior prompts John to
call him "the worst dog in the world" and causes Jenny to demand that
he be taken from the house and put in a shelter.
Violence:
Marley's out-of-control behavior isn't violent, per se, but he wreaks
havoc wherever he goes. A neighbor has been attacked in one scene --
viewers don't see the violence, but she suffers a knife wound, implying
the violence that befell her.
havoc wherever he goes. A neighbor has been attacked in one scene --
viewers don't see the violence, but she suffers a knife wound, implying
the violence that befell her.
Sex:
Though no sexual activity is explicitly shown, it's implied, especially in a creaky bed at an Irish inn. Content relating to reproduction (getting pregnant, miscarriage, birth control) might be too mature for younger viewers. Some shots of women in bikinis on the beach; a supporting character has lots of lecherous maneuverings. Jenny swims seductively in the nude, enticing John to collect his "birthday present." Marley humps the dog trainer's leg.
Language:
Predictable for a dog-centric movie: "crap" and "poop." Other language includes "ass," "damn," and "goddamn."
Consumerism:
Jenny and John pursue the American dream: a nice house in a good neighborhood, a nice car, a big trip, etc. But the pursuit is also a struggle, and viewers see how John and Jenny sacrifice to gain the material pleasure that they eventually achieve. Specific products/brands shown/mentioned include Volvo, the Philadelphia Enquirer and the New York Times.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
John mentions having taken bong hits in his youth. John and Sebastian usually bond over a beer. Parties involve drinking wine or champagne.
More on Marley & Me
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Most useful reviews by all members
screenmom81
adult
adult
Should have been PG-13--Parents of young children Beware!
Watched this movie alone one evening and could not BELIEVE how much sexual content it contained for a PG rating. I had to check the the rating twice because I thought I read it wrong. It was more than 'implied' sex. The word itself was used at least 4 times in reference to what the couple needed to do in order to "make a baby". I understand they are a married couple but my husband and I surely don't excuse ourselves from the room and tell our kids we are going 'to go make a baby', or have sex for that matter. Should most definitely been rated PG-13. I did not get to the sad ending so I cannot comment on the emotional impact it may have on your kids.
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amandaluvsyooh
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Great For Tweens!
Don't let the cover fool you. It looks as well as sounds like a very kid-friendly movie, but I honestly thought it should have been one of those PG-13's that just let the parent know that there is some suggestive stuff coming your way. I mean, if you're 12, there's nothing wrong with watching this movie, but for a, let's say...6 year old, they may ask questions...be prepared!
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proud-ravenclaw
adult
adult
Not a movie for the whole family
The commercials make Marley and Me look a movie for the whole family. Don't be fooled. It should be at least rated PG-13. The movie is barely about Marley, but I still cried when he died, even though I hated the movie. Nothing inappropriate is shown, but it's talked about.
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lovestrukkstar ...
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
WHY is this rated PG?!
The only thing I remember from that movie is the couple trying to have a baby! It was an awful movie and SO NOT appropriete for PG! Also, it's very scary for younger kids because there are needles and stuff!!!! My 5 year old cousin saw it! Is this how amercia wants children to grow up? Having sex and having babies at a younger age? This movie has already damaged so many kids because they're seeing stuff that they shouldn't. One of the husbands co-workers says, "You're having sex?" Does anybody reading this want to figure out how many little kids left the theater asking their parents what sex is? This movie is way too sexual for PG.
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Joe Figglehorn
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Teetering for 10 -12.
I liked the movie but to much sexy stuff. A kid like me doesn't need to see that it sorta' creeped me out. >:P
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shop till i drop
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
good movie
i love marly and me!!!!!! But it isnt for younger kids.
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CHEZHED gogrnbay
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
PG-13 Material
SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RATED PG. The only bad thing is maybe half way into the movie, Jenny says, "why don't we stop trying-not to have a baby?" then John replies,"So this is the part where we go home, take it off, and get it on?" Later they are seen making out on a bed, which implies sexual encounter. Next, after Jenny's baby dies in her, they do it again and this time you only hear the bed creaking and see the covers shaking. It's soooo sad and that may hurt young children, too. but for the most part, Jenny and John are good role models.
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jedward luv
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Never judge a film by it's trailler!
This film is about a creative, cute puppy that gets up to lots of mischeif! Sounds great, right? Well, not for long. At the end of this film, Marley does die, and its so uppsetting. I thought I was coming to see a great, happy movie, not a sad movie. I LOVE DOGS, and I really wasn't excepting the dog to die. Waste of money. After all that, he dies. Don't bother.
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4hunters
parent of 8 and 12 year old
parent of 8 and 12 year old
about adult lives with adult challenges
While I think it can be really good for kids to see adults having to struggle and work at work and at marriage, there's a lot of content that is just about adult lives, and really doesn't hold kid interest without coaching. We had to stop the DVD a lot and talk about what was really happening, and why it was interesting and/or hard for some or all of the characters. This was particularly true of the period when Jenny is just about to lose it under the stress of being at home with a difficult dog and two small children, and misses her job. These were worthwhile conversations, but the kids would have gotten little out of the movie without them.
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FooPets fare
adult
adult
Depends on the type of kid, but overall an amazing movie.
I rated it 10+ because it really depends on what a parent wants a kid seeing, and what kind of kid it is. For example, my five year-old sister has seen it no problem.
The sex scenes are not explicit, but depending on how much you know about sex you will probably know what they are doing if you are 10+. For younger kids it will most likely fly right over their heads. At most they might embarrassingly ask you what they're doing! It also depends on how sensitive your child is, because the ending is -SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER- very sad, and almost nobody will be dry-eyed.
If your kid is extremely sensitive you might want to reconsider showing them this. The sex scenes don't show anything explicit, but like I said you will probably know what they are doing if you are 10+. Maybe younger, it all depends on how much you know about sex and such. Language isn't that bad, with the occasional Sh*t or D*mn and Ass, but not terrible.
The violence scene with the girl again depends on how sensitive your kid is, for example my younger sister just kind of ignored it, but if you have a very sensitive little kid who could have nightmares from it you may want to skip this scene.
I hope this review was helpful to you :).
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Spielberg00
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
This is extremely iffy for a PG rating.
My rating: PG-13 for language, some suggestive references including some brief partial nudity and a scene of sexuality, and for an implied stabbing, and some alcohol use.
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parakeet
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
The dog Marley may be a troublemaker, but he's cute and sweet on the inside.
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kraber
adult
adult
Good date night movie for mom and dad, NOT the kids
While I really liked this movie, it should have been PG-13 (at least) When a married couple discusses how long it's been since they've had sex, skinny dip, flounce onto the bed making out in preparation for sex, make the bed creak while having sex, it should have a PG 13 rating! I think our rating system really dropped the ball on this one. This may be a good date night movie for mom and dad, but NOT a family movie.
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sb34chick
educator
educator
Better As An Adult Movie
This is a very sweet, touching, and humorous story. I recommend this to older teens due to the adult main characters and their mannerisms. There are some sex scenes and some nudity. Overall a great story, but might be something worth waiting for, adults will enjoy this more than teens.
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WebCriticGirl76
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Great Movie, Not for Small Children
I thought Marley and Me was a great movie when I saw it, but I was surprised that they landed on "PG". It has the s*** word, and they have sex three times but nothing is shown. Twice they did it with clothes on. I laughed through it, and my best friend and I both cried when we saw it. I recommend it to preteens and teens.
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pvtplatypus
adult
adult
Come on now.
I can't believe you people. Kids learn sex ed in 5th grade. If you're having your 6 year old kid watching a movie like this then you are a bad parent. It's not the movies fault, it's yours. It's not rated G, it's rated PG. Parental Guidance. I'm gonna go watch I Saw The Devil now.
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Hotaru Chan
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Parents beware!
Just because a movie stars a dog as the main focus, it does NOT mean that its automaticly a kids film, the MPAA really messed up on that. There is too much sexual behavior and language for this to be appropriate; I think that if Marley wasn't in it, it would have no doubt been PG-13. But, if you get around that, its a pretty touching movie. Being an animal lover, I cried my eyes out at the end :(
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aamd13
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
^ ^ ^ look at my age reccomendation ^ ^ ^ thats what i think
WHAT THE HECK COMMON SENSE?! THIS WASNT INAPPROPRIATE OR IMPLIYING ANYTHING,AND IT DOESNT NEED TO BE AGE 13+. THEY THINK I CANT HANDLE IT! WELL,I SAW THIS. THE WORST SEXUAL NESS WAS A *MARRIED* COUPLE KISS SCENE. AND IT WASNT THAT BAD. IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING. AND IN ANOTHER DIFFERENT SCENE,MARLEY CHASES A FOUL BALL ONTO THE BASEBALL FIELD,AND THEY HAVE TO GO CHASE HIM! LOL!
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Semi Intelligence.
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
Teen and Adult movie. Not for kids, unless youre a brave preteen.
Nice job with the movie
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Miss.Paperthin ...
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
I was kind of taken off guard by this movie. Although it's PG, it's almost PG-13 like. The couple have implied sex at least twice.- They are married, though. Also, they struggle with a miscarriage and a dog that passed away. I heard the s*** once, with a couple other iffy words.
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