Marley & Me, Win A DVD
As I’m sure most people know, Marley & Me is coming out on DVD March 31st. Even more exciting is the fact that five lucky Dogsters are going to win a special edition 2 disc DVD set.
A hilarious tail about a family who learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.
When newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan (Wilson and Aniston) leave the snow of Michigan for the beaches of Miami, they decide to adopt a yellow Labrador retriever named Marley, in order to give them a taste of parenthood.
However, things get ruff when the adorable 12-pound puppy transforms into a highly-strung, boisterous and uncontrollable 100-pound steamroller of unbridled energy that always finds trouble.
Last week I had the privilege of speaking with the Animal Coordinator on Marley & Me, Mark Forbes. On the set there were 22 dogs with eight trainers, Mark is the person who oversaw the entire operation. He worked with each trainer, breaking down the script so things went smoothly.
Mark has been working in television and film for many years. He trained and worked with Dreyfuss, the long running character on the television show Empty Nest. Mark’s first major character in a feature film was Pongo in 101 Dalmatians.
Mark has displayed his skills as Head Trainer on films such as Dr. Dolittle, 102 Dalmatians, Homeward Bound II and Wonder Boys. He has also been the Animal Coordinator, overseeing all of the animal work on Dr. Dolittle II, Hidalgo, The Shaggy Dog, Evan Almighty, and recently released Hotel For Dogs.
The dogs who played Marley were a variety of ages, ranging from puppies to 13-year-old Clyde. Something interesting I found out was that Clyde is privately owned, his owner had to give him up for a few months to be in the film. She wasn’t allowed to be with him on the set. But rest assured he was very well taken care of. Because of Clyde’s age he had someone assigned just to take care of him, along with his own trailer, and special assistance for any medical issues related to a dog that age.
Mark has worked on many movies, but he said this one was the most fun he’s had making a movie. Besides the actors all being great to work with, he said the director really emphasized that everyone was there to fun. I think when you watch the movie that really comes through.
Before finishing up our conversation I asked Mark if he had any advice for Dogsters trying to train their dogs. Unfortunately, there is no hidden Hollywood secret. It’s a matter of having a clear plan, and knowing the rules beforehand. The best way to train is in short session, between 10-20 minutes, two or three times a day. You must be consistent, and don’t give up, it’s just a matter of time.
To enter the contest just leave a comment in the comment section sharing your favorite part of the book, or movie if you’ve seen it. The contest starts today and runs through Friday, April 3rd when I will randomly pick five winners.
I don’t think that I can pick a favorite part of the book; I sat down and read the whole thing in a matter of a day and a half!
I haven’t seen the movie yet because I know how the book ends and I didn’t want to allow the ‘floodgates’ to open out in public when I could do it in the privacy of my own home:)
I do plan on seeing it when it comes out on video though!
My favorite part of the book was when John took Marley to the “unofficial” dog beach. In a matter of moments Marley managed to break every major rule and was asked to leave.
I can’t wait to see this movie I loved the book so much.
I LOVED the book and hope the movie is half as good. There were so many good parts. I laughed till I cried until the last chapter, where I just cried. Waiting for jewelry to pass through Marley ranks up at the top, while taking Marley for “walks” was wonderful.
We have not seen the movie , but we are reading the book & enjoying every minute , dog owners can relate to most of the things Marley does, i cannot wait to see how it ends
I loved the book too and can’t wait to see the movie. If you need a good cry, the book is a good release for it, but the funny parts will make you laugh out loud.
My favorite parts were too many to name.
I enjoyed the entire book and sat down and read it almost all the way through on the first sitting. The antics of Marley made my heart sing. Our dogs remind me occasionally of Marley (my heart couldn’t take it if was a regular occurance!).
Nancy
My favorite part of the book was the night that Marley proved himself a hero, when their neighbor was attacked. I really wish they hadn’t cut that scene so short in the movie. It made such an emotional impact in the book.
I have not read the book nor seen the movie, but my brother has gone through 3 copies of the book! He is the proud dad of 2 labs (a chocolate and a yellow) and step-dad to 2 more (both chocolates). This is his favorite book/movie ever! I’d love to be able to win this for him!
This was one of my all time favorite books (and I read A LOT!) but I havent gotten to see the movie yet, I hope its a good representation of the book!
Jaime
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie – yet!
Sure hope I win a dvd – cuz from all the reviews posted here – it sounds grrrrrrrreat!
Arrooo!
SAMSON
My favorite park of the book (I have not yet braved the tears that will come with watching the movie!) was after Jenny lost the baby and was having problems coming to terms with it and John woke up one morning to her sobbing into Marley’s coat. It is such a reminder that animals provide the unconditional support that even those closest to us sometimes cannot. I live with elderly parents and whenever I walk in the door I try to be positive no matter how bad things may be going in life and it is not until I can sit in the bed and rub those silken ears of my beloved dobie that everything starts to feel better. Sometimes I just sob and he looks with those soulful eyes and its as though my troubles melt away!
I haven’t seen the movie but loved the book!
I have a favorite quote in it that I think is true and I absolutely love:
Animal lovers are a special breed of human, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky!
From a book called “Marley & Me-Life and Love with the worlds worst dog” by John Grogan
My favorite parts of the book AND movie is that I have not read or seen either and I have been DYING to!
So I have soooo much to look forward to and really hope I win. Even though I’m a cat I can still ‘preciate a good dog story!
Meow! xo.
Romeo
Honestly I haven’t had a chance to read the book or see the movie yet, usually I like to see movies first then read the books. I do love the story that it’s about his journey with his first dog.
You never really know what you’re getting into but it’s definitely a wonderful, yet sometimes hard and complicated, journey filled with love!
My favorite part of the book was when the dog trainer rejected Marley. I have two poodles who also refuse to be trained. Instead they have trained US!
I have to get up the nerve to see this movie. I have an eleven year old dog and I heard the ending is really sad. Each day with her and my other dog is such a gift. I am though, glad that movies about the beautiful relationships we form with our dogs are being made and watched.
http://www.dogyoga.blogspot.com/
Our Mom read the book & loved just about all of it. What a great dog Marley was. But what is even more awsome is that the Grogans got another Lab with his own set of issues. Great family. Great book. & we know our Angel Louie will really love watching the DVD. We’re sure he & Marley are discussing the whole movie thing.
Laughed so hard it hurt while reading the book, and am dieing to see the movie. Would give you my favorite quote, but my darn dog ate the book! Was quite impressed & empathetic w/ Marley’s fear of thunderstorms……can’t wait to see how the movie does them.
Loved, loved, LOVED the book! Read it in about 2 days and I have never cried so much in my whole entire life as I did while reading the last chapter. I too have been waiting for the movie to come out on DVD so that I can watch it and cry at home. Don’t get me wrong–the book is wonderful–full of laughs. Any one who loves dogs will love this story. Grogan is a great writer and conveys the love of dogs and their owners so well!!!
I adored every single page of the book yet my favorite part of the movie is the obedience class scene. When Marley showed his “affection” for the class instructor, I nearly spilled my drink and popcorn from laughing so hard.
I are a very lucky pup indeed, but alas, I have not been able to splurg to buy the book fur my mom. Mom is fixed on the TV every time she see’s a clip of the movie on TV (so much so that she even makes me wait until it’s over) and I know she would so LOVE to have a copy of the DVD. (she’s been dropping hints about it fur her birfday [coming up in May] ever since the movie was released in theatres BOL)
Mom makes sure I have everything I need and could possibly want, and then some. I’d like to win this one thing fur her. I pawmise we will watch it together, over and over and …….
I havr read the book quite a few times and I really don’t have a “favorite” part. This is one of those rare books that is ALL good the whole way through!! Can’t wait to see the movie! Anyone who loves a dog should own this book!
I know Mama would love this movie and I could watch it with her. She wants to read the book, but I demand too much attention and will not allow her to read anything. She tells stories of her ‘good dog’ which was before my time with her. I know she has been through a sad ending with her ‘good dog’, but would still appreciate it if I could share this with her.
My favorite parts of the book were the Tales of Destruction – of course! My favorite when Marley busted out eating garage drywall. I got a better image reading the book of Marley’s destruction because it wasn’t rushed or shortened. The movie was good but many funny destruction scenes were fast-forwarded put into a Marley Mix. I enjoyed the book because our own Mr. Cody Boxer is a Destruction Dog!
Mom read the book and enjoyed all the adventures of Marley except the ending. It reminded her especially now after Sheba crossed Rainbow Bridge on the 11th of this month, that a dog’s love is furever and we must enjoy every precious moment with our furs. All the mishaps, torn furniture and craziness is nothing compared to the unconditional love between us and our human companions. Mom refused to go to the movie too cuz we lost Miracle last August and she didn’t want to cry at the theater. She is not ready to watch the DVD just yet, but maybe in a few months. It’s going to be hard.
I loved the book. I didn’t go see the movie, because I don’t like to cry in public and the book alone reduced me to a soggy mess…That said, my favorite part of the book was when they were relaxing at the little cafe’ and Marley spots the snooty poodle and takes off with their table. I cried then too…but only because I was laughing so hard!
Woof, wow, Mom and Dad haven’t seen a movie in eons due to the economy. Woof, popcorn, Mom, Dad, and my siblings together on the couch watching a dog movie–what a perfect way to spend the evening. Woof, woof, sure hope we win!
Shadow
There are soooo many scenes I love, but I am very partial to puppies, so I guess it would be when Marley first comes to their home and does all the cute puppy stuff!
I have not seen the movie yet although I really can’t wait much longer. I was hoping to go see it when it first came out. I have however read the book.
The thing I liked most about the book was how easy it was to relate to. I happen to have a “Marley” myself. My Marley is Kozmo. We adopted him from the shelter last year. He also was a crazy dog getting himself into quite a bit of trouble when we first got him. He’s gotten so much better and we love him to death now. But boy do I remember him causing us so much trouble just like Marley. And even though Marley was so bad they loved him so much.
That’s the best thing about the book. Relating to the bad things these crazy dogs in our lives do and loving them anyway. No matter what.
I loved the book which I read last May while at the beach. My wife kept looking over at me each time I got all wet eyed. Than she read the book Same thing all wet eyed!
I think that most people should know that this book is really about the love of family which Marley was a very important member.
Marley flaunts cumbaya political correctness with an ‘oceans away’ #2
My favorite part was that when then choose Marley, the main reason was because he was laid back compared to his siblings. I guess they learned that first impressions aren’t always good.
My favorite part of the book is when Marley stays with Jenny and comforts her after her miscarriage. Dogs know when we’re hurting and are there for us.
I haven’t read the book nor seen the movie. That’s why I need to win this copy of the DVD.
I’ve seen the movie and started reading the book a bit. The part when Marley stole the necklace and the end were my favourite parts. The ending was so sad but so sweet.
My favorite part was how Jen put the necklace John got for her when she was pregnant on Marley’s grave and said that the necklace was a beginning of their family and now there family wouldn’t be the same without Marley. I got all teary eyed. When I got home I gave Max a big hug and thanked god that I have such a great dog like Max!
I loved when Marley comforted his wife after she lost her baby.
Didn’t see the movie though…
My favorite part of the book was when John took Marley to training class and it was, well, not terribly successful! Marley and his antics reminded me so much of my brother-in-laws beloved yellow lab, who passed away a few years before the release of the book, that I recommended the book to him. Unfortunately, he chose to read it while on a business trip and got to the end on a flight between the US and London….ooops! Probably should have warned him about that.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I’d really love to win a copy!
Because it looks like so many have not seen the movie yet, I will not share my most favorite part of the movie (it’s at the very end). The book was just awesome, and the movie was done very well.
Favorite part? I loved the movie from the beginning to the end. I never read the book, so I can’t compare if the movie was as good as the book, or vice versa. It’s much more than just a dog story! I also loved the humor in it. Yet, the ending had me crying my eyes out.
I loved that Marley’s owners were two middle-aged adults who learn what is most important in life (from Marley) – friendship, loyalty and selflessness.
My kids have been dying to see this movie but we haven’t had a chance to see it yet.
It looks like it is so funny on the previews. I’ve talked to some of my friends that have seen it in the theaters and told me that everyone that has a dog should see this movie.
Wouldn’t anyone just love this movie?
The movie was awesome and just about everything we can relate of having our 2 yr old male yellow lab “max “. From chewing anything, stubborness, jumping on people, restless on a car ride to almost giving him back to the shelter. Thank GOD, he is still with us, well behaved and gave us a lot of joy. The end of the movie is the one that really got us when Wilson narrates, ” A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, give him your heart, and he’ll give you his”. And he is so right.
I haven’t read the book but I loved the entire movie!
Loved the book. Fast read. As a dog lover, you sometimes want to give up but like Marley they are so adorable and loving, you keep trying. Can’t wait to see the movie.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but the book was amazing! I must say the best part of Marley & Me would have to be the fact that even with all of the crazy and destructive things Marley did, the Grogans never gave up on him and loved him for who he was. They were true dog lovers!
i have not seen it yet
My favorite part of the book was when Grogan took Marley to the dog beach. It was hilarious!
My favorite part of the movie version of Marley and Me was when Marley was starting to grow a bit older. He and his owner were sitting on the beach together and Marley is given freedom to be off his leash to run around. Other beach goers start to let their dogs run free also and there is inspirational music playing, and then all of a sudden we see the looks of horror on everyone’s faces as Marley poops on the beach and ends up getting dogs banned from the beach. I thought it was really funny, and the scene was created really well.
Well, the reason I loved the book so much is that Marley reminds me of ME! I have been a very naughty dog most of my life, and I dont plan to really ever change. At age 11, I have mellowed, but I have a mischevous character. What I haven’t done in the area of naughty things, my brother Tate has done. We could have had a blast with Marley! He was a good boy. We’d like to get this video because we really like to watch shows with doggies in them.
Oh I especially loved the part where Marley was picked out of his siblings SO CUTE
So many good parts – and I tear up just reading some of the comments!
Personally I liked the clip (in the trailer for the movie) where baby Marley is running down the beach without a care in the world while Owen and Jennifer are racing after him. I guess they do that in the movie too with McSteamy – but not quite as good.
It’s nice to be able to watch a movie that tugs at your heartstrings but also makes you laugh at the same time.
I’ve loved the scene where Marley was in dog behaviour school!
I loved every bit of the book it was light hearted, funny and sad but was the real true feelings of a family who loved their dog and it really touched my heart because we have a golden retriever whom we love dearly.
I think the movie and the book were 100% wonderful. I enjoyed every minute of them!
(or second) : )
I think my favorite part of the movie was when Jenny, Jennifer Aniston, finds out that she isn’t really pregnant and comes home and cries.Marley walks up and lays his head on her lap..showing for the first time in the film that he isn’t really a bad dog after all.For a “clearance puppy”, he turns out to be one of the best , most caring, and loyal dogs with age and experience.This film really touched my heart strings and I would love to own it.
I LOVE the part where Marley is hanging out the car window, BOL! When mom and dad saw that in the movie they both said “Sammy!”, haha. I did that when I was 6 months old. Dad told mom to roll up the windows, and she said “it’s ok, labs are smart, he won’t climb out”
Famous last words!
Mom loved the book and the movie, though she cried throughout both of them.
I have not seen the movie or read the book. i would love to win a copy for my collection
I loved the whole book, but I think the best part was the table scene that Marley is dragging the table with him on his chase. The parents are chasing Marley That was priceless and really funny.
I love this movie so much it reminds me so much of my childhood dog. I get teary eyed just thinking about it! I dont have one favorite part, because I loved the whole movie. It shows how much a dog can make a difference in your life, how they love you unconditionally through every up and every down. The part where she puts the necklace marley eat in the grave with him made me bawl like a baby, that was a truly touching scene. Also, when the little boy was watching home movies and marley was in all of them as they grew up was very touching also.