 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Marley & Me
- Review Date: December 24, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Touching comedy deals with emotional themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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).
What's the story?
Newlywed journalists John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston) leave Michigan winters behind in favor of Florida's sunnier climes, where they find themselves struggling to gain footing. When Jenny starts talking about a family, John asks his bachelor friend Sebastian (Eric Dane) for advice on how to distract her. Sebastian suggests a puppy -- and so Marley comes tumbling into their lives. As the rambunctious dog destroys their house, their car, and their social interactions, John decides to use his antics as fodder for his new newspaper column. His editor (Alan Arkin) loves the stuff, and John becomes a fixture in the South Florida journalism scene. Meanwhile, Jenny announces that she's pregnant, and their family drama unfolds in its tragicomic glory.
Is it any good?
Based on John Grogan's book of the same name, MARLEY AND ME successfully portrays what it's like when an abnormally exuberant family member takes center stage -- because, make no mistake, Marley is a full-fledged member of the Grogan family. Though he tests every limit possible -- chewing through the last threads of their patience and human dignity -- Marley teaches the Grogans about loyalty and undying love.
Audiences might be surprised at the emotional power that the film packs -- especially because it's being marketed as a family comedy -- but the effect is gratifying and real. And though Wilson and Aniston take a little while to hit their stride as a couple, overall the movie is a pretty seamless depiction of the arc of family life.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how challenging behavior can be frustrating but can also help families bond. When Marley destroys a couch or eats a beloved piece of jewelry, his owners fret over their material loss. But in the end, he's brought them together in a way that his absence wouldn't have allowed.
Are there members of your family whose behavior pushes limits? How much is too much?
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Adult
October 12, 2009
AGE
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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Kid, 12 years old
September 11, 2011
AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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Kid, 10 years old
March 27, 2010
AGE
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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Teen, 13 years old
June 17, 2010
AGE
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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Teen, 14 years old
September 3, 2011
AGE
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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Adult
October 22, 2009
AGE
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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Kid, 11 years old
July 10, 2011
AGE
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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Adult
March 8, 2010
AGE
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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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | David Frankel |
| Cast: | Eric Dane, Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 123 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 25, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | March 31, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material, some suggestive content and language |
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