The World’s Worst Dog

Warning: This post contains spoilers.

Because of a quick decision (around 5 minutes) to watch Marley & Me over The Valkyries (starring Tom Cruise), this film made it among the most unforgettable movies, and day, of my life. Why? You’ll find out soon.

Marley & Me was based on a book published by John Grogan, who accounted the tales of a starting family and their dog, “the world’s worst dog,” a labrador named Marley (from Bob Marley).

From the advice of his would-be (from my assumption) forever-bachelor friend, Sebastian Tunney (Eric Dane), John (Owen Wilson) bought a puppy for his beautiful, highly organized wife (with a checklist on their lives) to delay having children. Does it really scare young husbands to have a baby?

Marley’s scenes were really, really funny, especially those with John. Owen Wilson did a good job in injecting humor to their scenes, with his calm voice (and face) and comical language. Making the viewers laugh seemed effortless for him. Jennifer Aniston, on the other hand, reminded me of Rachel Greene of Friends. She was lighthearted and warm, but taking care of their children and Marley at one point made her angsty. But generally, she was sweet to everybody. When scenes call for serious acting, Owen Wilson was surprisingly excellent. I was used to him doing comedic role that it surprised me with his good drama skills.

So why is Marley the world’s worst dog? Imagine being kicked out of obedience school LOL. Even the trainer cannot control him. He never listens to John and Jen and chews on everything he can get his teeth on. Discount Blinds and storage boxes would not escape his urge to bite stuff. He can even chew on dry walls! And as dogs are notoriously known, he always does his “thing” on people’s legs. haha.

Along the way, Marley developed a strong bond with the family. The dog who acted on the film was incredible. With his movements and face, you can tell when he was empathizing with Jen and John for every down and celebrating with them for every happy moment. The children adore him. He excitedly waits for them at the bus stop everyday when they come home from school.

The family (now including three kids) together with Marley play games in the huge space in front of their house.  It was really am enchanting scene to behold—a picture of a happy family. After that game, Marley, who was by this time old, had difficulty walking. Then on, his health continued deteriorating. And the following scenes made my tears flow like a river.

Much I tried, I could not contain myself. Tears were no longer just falling, I was already sobbing, crying, along with many in the cinemas. I empathized so much with the family, feeling the strong bond between the Grogans and Marley. We can never really be prepared with the lost of a loved one.