Marley and Me (2008)

This movie was so sweet and enjoyable. It was also tender and sad, where during several scenes I almost cried.
The story is based on a book, which is based on the true story, predominantly about a man and his dog. What I found interesting is the film seems to so strongly parallel American family values, and does so, so sincerely and at the same time does not come across as contrived one bit. Values such as working hard at a job that you love, but then being able to make career sacrificed in order to raise a family, and also to being true to your spouse. It really felt like they were trying to instill these values into the film's audience (and really what American film doesn't do this?). It may seem that this movie is illustrating how not to raise your dog and how hard it is to train them. But what I got is that this film is really about the bond people create with their pets, and the fact that their pets are truely a part of a family. In the movie, Marley was there through it all, thick and thin. Even though many (if not most) times he was the source of the problem, he really kept the husband and wife together during their difficult times.
What I really liked about this film is that it avoided getting too elaborate or fabricated in it's storyline. The reason probably being that the story is based on true events. I also really liked how the film was very accessible and easy to relate to.
I definitely recommend this film because it can be taken at face value, and you will leave it wanting to hug the closest pooch.