Spicezee Bureau
Mumbai, Feb 06: Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson’s ‘Marley & Me’ fate in India is marred by its inappropriate release date, which is a sure-shot case of wrong timing. At a time when the entire country is busy debating over the Oscar nominated ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that presents the dark and dim side of slum life in Mumbai, ‘Marley & Me’ falls flat to leave an impression, unable to evoke an sentiment in audience mind.
The film is a typical Hollywood potboiler with average performances from its lead stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. An adaptation of the book by the same title, the film that is directed by David Frankel is about time and again tested formula of a human’s relationship with a pet.
Looking into the plotline first, the story revolves around a dull couple John (played by Owen Wilson) and Jenny (played by Jennifer Aniston) Grogan. The two play journalists working for rival publishing houses, who have lost the charm in their marriage.
While most couples think of starting a family to get excitement into their lives, the duo opt for a Labrador and name him Marley. The puppy might appear a saint on the outside but is a naughty little devil on the inside. His appetite has no comparisons for he eats like there’s no tomorrow, he breaks furniture and barks endlessly at odd hours. What’s more, he plays safe and cute by getting scared of thunderstorms- a gesture any human will fight hard not to adore.
However once their differences over the dog come to rest, the two decide to take the plunge into starting a family. So Jenny quits her job to take care of the kid. Fed up with new profile, she screams and shouts under the pressure of her new job as a mum.
To top it all, Marley goes back to his destructive best. The impossible to train dog gets on the couple nerves but ends up teacjhing them a lesson or two. With a sad ending the film closes at a weeping note.
As per the performances, there are no great lifts just like the plotline. Jennifer who is often flaked for her lackluster portrayal of roles fails once again with Marley & Me. She is at her typical pretentious best. Owen too seems to sleepwalking during his performance. At the end it’s the dog, who keeps you awake and smiling.
So, two cheers for this one.
