“Marley & Me”
20th Century Fox
At Quality 16 and Showcase

3 out of 5 Stars

“Marley & Me,” based on The New York Times bestseller memoir by John Grogan, tells a simple tale: Man meets dog; hijinks ensue. The film depicts the life of Grogan (Owen Wilson, “The Darjeeling Limited”) and his wife Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston, “The Break-Up”) along with their unruly pup Marley, dubbed by his owners as the “World’s Worst Dog.”

As straightforward as the plot seems, “Marley & Me” actually extends beyond what audiences would expect: It's a dramedy that features legitimately funny gags in addition to its good-looking leads. The good-natured tale is littered with realistic themes, exemplified as Grogan navigates marital stresses and the ups and downs of his career as a journalist.

Audiences may prefer the wisecracking Wilson, but his performance in the subdued moments of the film is just as engaging. Even more endearing is Aniston, who’s more likable on screen than she's been in years. Playing the universal Everywoman, she manages to be more than a straight-faced comic foil to a meddling dog.

“Marley & Me” is hardly a progressive film, but the story is warm-hearted and lively, much like the dog it follows.