2 of 2

As John preps breakfast for Conor, Marley moves in

And, delightfully, this is an unabashedly pro-family film. Yes, we see John and Jenny struggle in their marriage, but we also see them work through these tough patches. There are some poignant conversations where Jenny especially wrestles with her life choices and their consequences. But through it all there's a sense of this couple consciously choosing each other, choosing their family—including their crazy dog.

The ending voiceover about the role a dog can play in a family and in a life will have all the pet-owners in the audience openly weeping. I've never even owned a dog and I was teary. The producers were wise to release Marley & Me on Christmas Day. It's a fun, cinematic Currier and Ives experience for the whole family that will leave you hugging on Dad and Grandma—and eager to return home to hug on your own Marley or Rover or Rex, realizing that even the "world's worst dog"' has a way of warming your heart and enriching your life.

Talk About It

1. Have you ever had a pet? How did he/she impact your life?
2. At the outset of the film, Jenny is an uber-planner. When do you think she stops living by this carefully constructed plan—and why? Have you ever lived by such a detailed outline? As a Christian, what have you learned about the wisdom or lack thereof of living by such a plan?
3. John constantly surprises himself by what he accomplishes in life. Have you ever accomplished something that surprised you? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
4. At one point, Jenny says she gave up so much of what made her who she is for their family, a feeling she's afraid to admit aloud. Though she doesn't regret her decisions, she still wrestles with some of these identity issues from time to time. Have you ever felt that way about your identity and your family? What thoughts or conclusions have you made from that wrestling?

The Family Corner

Marley & Me is rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content, and language. The language is mild, and the suggestive content involves implied sex between married John and Jenny as well as between Marley and a table leg, a pillow, and the obedience school instructor's leg. There are a few family squabbles that get resolved well—and could provide good fodder for conversation about real-life disagreements and struggles. SPOILER ALERT: This is no surprise to anyone who's read the book, but parents of young kids should be forewarned that Marley dies at the end of the movie. He's old and has lived a long, happy life. But the kids in the family are all around grade-school age when it happens, and they participate in his funeral. This could be helpful and instructive for kids who have experienced loss, but could also be traumatic for younger, more sensitive children.

Photos © Copyright 20th Century Fox

© Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

1. Plugged In
   
2. Crosswalk
   
3. Catholic News Service
   
4. Past the Popcorn

first page |  2 of 2