• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Movie Review: Marley and Me

January 10, 2009 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy

Release Date: December 25, 2008

Running Time: 123 minutes

Child-friendly? This is a case of a movie in which the marketing (showing a lovable-yet-naughty dog wreaking harmless havoc) may lead families to believe they can take even their youngest children without worrying. Some parents may be surprised by the numerous sexual references, adult themes and extremely sad ending – which could potentially upset kids. Some viewers have suggested the film should actually carry a PG-13 rating to reflect its adult content, which includes scenes dealing with reproduction and death.

Marley & Me is based on the book by the same name, written by journalist John Grogan. It tells the true story of his adoption of a lovable Labrador named Marley, which is purchased in part to distract his wife from wanting to have children.

Thereafter follow several episodes in which Marley wreaks havoc on the Grogans’ house, car and social lives, causing John to remark that he owns “the world’s worst dog.”

Despite these problems the couple keep Marley and let him guide them through various life stages, as they finally have three kids of their own and face the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

Meanwhile, John gains journalistic fame from writing a column about his misbehaving pooch, with the support of his gruff-yet-supportive editor. In some way or another, Marley is a part of everything the family does and experiences.

Eventually, they move to Pennsylvania, which is when the movie takes a sad turn and fathers should be prepared to whip out the tissues (either for other family members or themselves).

Dog-lovers are likely to enjoy this movie – and find many scenes all too familiar. Parents may want to consider leaving their littlest ones at home, however, as the film deals with some adult topics, including death and (married) sex.
ADNFCR-1662-ID-18964230-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Movies Reviews

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
SIGN-UP TODAY to receive the only baby newsletter written by dads, for dads. Act now and receive a free copy of the popular GreatDad E-Book!
My baby's due date or birthday :
Profile picture
Privacy Policy and Terms
Baby Name Finder!

what's in a name

  • Show names for:
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Either
Finding a name you can both agree on isn't always easy. Use our simple name generator to get started.
First Letter
Last Letter
Number of Letters
Origin
Find a name!

More to See

5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure

April 6, 2022 By Contributing Authors

How to get kids excited about dental hygiene

March 3, 2022 By Contributing Authors

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Footer

Hi mom!

Would you like to share this site with your husband or a friend?

Just enter his email address and your name below and we'll let him know all about GreatDad.com.

His email address
Your Name

Recent

  • A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games
  • 5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure
  • How to get kids excited about dental hygiene
  • 10 Important Lessons to Teach Your Kids About Keeping Pets
  • The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Search

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Copyright © 2022 . GreatDad