Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching comedy deals with emotional themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marley & Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 102 parent reviews
Based on 195 kid reviews
Kids say the film mixes humor and heart-wrenching moments, making it both entertaining and emotional. However, many reviewers caution that it contains mature themes, including explicit sexual content and strong language, suggesting it's more suitable for older children rather than a general family audience.
- emotional roller coaster
- inappropriate content
- heartwarming moments
- not for young kids
- strong language
- rated PG concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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, the heartwarming 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : March 31, 2009
- Cast : Eric Dane , Jennifer Aniston , Owen Wilson
- Director : David Frankel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, some suggestive content and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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