I'd always planned to read John Grogan's book "Marley & Me" and like most things I plan to read, I never got round to it. Thankfully a decision was made to adapt Grogan's popular book about his dog Marley into a movie and I'm glad they did. But there is one problem with "Marley & Me", well actually it's not a problem per say with the movie but in the way it has been portrayed in the numerous trailers. Watching these advertising slots it would be easy to get the impression that "Marley & Me" was a cutesy, romantic comedy which is bolstered by having an adorable yet rambunctious canine in it, which it certainly isn't. "Marley & Me" is more about how life changes for the Grogan's as their lives together develops and how Marley becomes a significant part of the Grogan household.

Based on the popular novel by John Grogan, "Owen Wilson - Night at the Museum" recounts the relationship of freshly married John (Owen Wilson - Night at the Museum) and Jen (Jennifer Aniston - The Break-Up) as they face the challenges of work, marriage and life. Alongside them is their beloved dog, Marley, who can demolish a chair in seconds and eat enough to feed a small nation. The rambunctious antics of Marley come to signify the unanticipated challenges that John and Jen face, but throughout it all, he proves to be their most loyal of friends.

In many ways "Marley & Me" is a movie of two nearly distinct halves with the first half covering the newly married Grogan's decision to get a puppy as the next logical step in their relationship before starting a family. Of course this provides plenty of opportunity for predictable chaos as the puppy takes control of their lives and demolishes pretty much everything in sight. Much of this chaos is what you often see from movies which feature man's best friend but in "Marley & Me" there is a slightly better grasp on reality which stops this feeling like one of the "Beethoven" movies. Like in the scene when Marley tries to climb out of the Grogan's moving car only for John to grab it from behind so that only his front paws are running alongside their car, it just pulls back from being totally over the top comedy.

The second half of "Marley & Me" is much different and sees the emphasis of the movie shift away from the chaos that having a dog brings and focuses on the stresses and strains of married life. This may sound a bit heavy and in some hands this could have turned into a seriously down beat movie but there is still just enough light heartedness to make it watch able but utterly realistic. Through out this second half you get a real sense of the bond between John and Marley which is especially touching as the movie progresses towards a fitting climax.

What for me was surprising was the chemistry between Owen Wilson as John Grogan and Jennifer Aniston as his wife Jenny. Star names don't always make for a star movie but in the case of "Marley & Me" they do and together they put in great performances delivering both comedy and drama in equal measure. By the end of the movie you feel so attached to the couple, as well as Marley, after watching them go through so many up's and downs that it is hard not too feel like one of the family.

Despite the movie pretty much belonging to Wilson and Aniston plus the range of adorable canines that play Marley, the supporting cast add to the overall journey of the movie. Most notably of these is Alan Arkin as the straight faced editor Arnie Klein who laughs without raising a smile and also Eric Dane who plays John's womanizing friend. These supporting characters don't just provide padding but provide the source for different subplots which spring up once in a while.

With a plot which heavily relies on the adorable nation of a dog it is inevitable that "Marley & Me" would be hugely sentimental with several scenes causing much tear shedding even from the hardest of hearts. But none of the sentimental and emotional ness of "Marley & Me" feels contrived and comes across as such a natural part of the movie that thankfully it doesn't feel like the director was intentionally manipulating your emotions.

One thing which does stand out for me is that despite being awarded a PG certificate "Marley & Me" is not really a family movie. It is essentially a drama about life and so once you get past all the early cuteness and laughs much of the movie will be of a too higher level for young children to watch.

What this all boils down to is that "Marley & Me" is a very good movie and I am sure it captures some of the emotion and fun in John Grogan's book. It does have a few issues most notably from the stupid way it has been marketed but other wise it is entertaining and well worth a watch.