A few years back many people that I knew were raving about a book called Marley & Me. I was told it was about a family and their lovable dog. I love to read and I love animals so I picked up a copy. Then I heard that the book had a really sad ending. Because of that I held off reading it until the book ended up buried among my other books in the book case.
I did break down and watch the movie when it came on TV. It was cute, sweet, funny and oh-so-sad! In a way I was glad I watched it but at the same time I wished I never did. It really tugged at my heart strings and made a lasting impression.
Not long ago I heard of the prequel to Marley & Me called Marley & Me: The Puppy Years, that was going to be released on August 16, 2011 on Blu-ray and DVD. It will be available at 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide and in Canada. Since this was the puppy years I knew the outcome in the new movie would be a lot less heart wrenching then the original.
If you are looking for an incredibly cute movie that you can enjoy with your entire family – this is the movie for you. I couldn’t help go “awww…” every few minutes because these puppies are incredibly adorable. Unlike the original movie, The Puppy Years features dogs (puppies) that can talk.
The movie goes back in time to when Marley was a puppy. As in the original story little Marley wreak havoc on not only his home but also the entire neighborhood. The movie follows Marley and his adorable friends around town.
Marley’s “parents” have to go away for the summer so they leave Marley in the care of Bodi Grogran. Bodi REALLY wants a dog of his own so he looks at this as a great opportunity to show his mom that he can properly take care of a dog. Of course, if you are familiar with the movie and the book you know that Marley is NOT your typical dog.
When the opportunity comes along to enter Marley in a contest Bodi jumps at the chance. Little did he know that he was getting himself into much more then he bargained for when he has to train not just Marley but also his neighbor’s puppies to enter the contest which consists of obstacle courses. Bodi turns his grandfather’s backyard into the training center for the pups.
This has your typical scenarios and a slew of cliches like boy meets girl and good guys vs. bad guys, but that is OK because this is meant to be a family movie that the entire family can enjoy. Unlike the original which is clearly a movie for grown ups and not young children.
I think the filmmakers did an excellent job matching the facial movements to the dog’s “voices”. I have seen other movies where the animals talk and it looks really out of sync. In Marley & Me: The Puppy Years, dare I say the puppies looked like they really could talk. It was very convincing. 🙂
Be forewarned… when you watch this movie you are going to want to run right out and get a puppy, especially a yellow retriever. They are so cute!
Here is the movie’s trailer.
I’m giving this movie two thumbs up. It’s funny, entertaining, adorable and something the entire family can enjoy. Be sure to check out the adorable bonus features for some more melt-your-heart puppy’isms.
The DVD and Blu-ray are available on August 16, 2011.
To get you excited about the release I have some fun activity sheets you can download, print out and enjoy. Simply click on the image for a larger view then hit your print button.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Cassy says
Those are cute looking dogs.
Cassy from Guitar Made Easy
Tina Renee says
Wow! Thanks so much! My little one will enjoy this!