07 February,2009 07:09 AM IST | | Tushar Joshi
Starting off withu00a0 John getting married to Jenny (Aniston) and later bringing home a 'clearance puppy' he names Marley (after Bob Marley) to keep the idea of becoming a parent on the backburner. Little does he know that Marley acts as a catalyst in his life.
What's hot: You don't necessarily have to own a dog or be a dog person to enjoy this flick. Marley & Me works on many levels, be it the lucid screenplay, dialogues you connect with, Wilson and Aniston's chemistry, the camerawork that captures the cities and towns in American states beautifully or the soundtrack; everything fits perfectly.
Marley's transition from being a pup to a full-grown lab is smooth and stunningly captured. Wilson is at his natural best. The scene where he starts writing his column chronicling his adventures with Marley and Jenny is spot on.
His chemistry with Marley where he treats him almost like an equal talking to him, sharing his woes, celebrating his victories, is superb. Carry a box of tissue papers, as the end will make your heart melt no matter how strong you are!
What's not: The story keeps balancing between depicting John's personal and professional life. Often, the two even criss- cross each other's paths. As the film nears its ending and you know what's going to happen, the script gets weak and predictable.
However, since it follows the book, there's not much one can do. Clearly working over a decade in Friends seems to have taken a toll on Jen as she often pulls out a Rachel on you, making you forget who Jenny is.
What to do: A must-watch for anyone who wants to see a heart-warming tale of love, friendship and knowing that at times, the only unconditional love you can truly find isn't human.
Marley & Me
'''1/2
Dir: David Frankel
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson
