Movie Review: Marley & Me

I didn't expect much from Marley & Me, I felt I knew what it would be like going in. I never read the book, because I knew how it would end, and I couldn't handle reading about the loss of a beloved pet. I hadn't even planned on seeing the movie for the same reason.

I am so glad I did see it. The movie is about Marley and the relationship this family has with their beloved rascal of a dog, but it is really about the arch of a marriage and the choices we make in life for those we love.

I have never really been an Owen Wilson fan, but this role was such a great fit for him. He wore it easily, and embodied all of the character's insecurities and doubts so well. I loved the relationship between Owen's character and his boss in the movie, played by Alan Arkin. we should all be so lucky as to have a boss like that.

Jennifer Aniston was just fantastic and did some of her best work in this movie. She truly made the journey through the years as a loving, supportive wife who realizes the sacrifices she has to make for her family.

And of course Marley...all the shots of him are hilarious, adorable, sometimes a little shocking (in a funny way), and heartbreaking. I can't remember crying at a movie like this in a long time.

It's a beautiful film. It is about building your dreams, finding your love, and living life. Good stuff.

Movie Review: Doubt

This movie definitely lives up to its name. I can honestly say that I constantly changed my mind throughout the film as to the guilt or innocence of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character. The movie leaves you wondering, and I sometimes like that, but for this one, the ending to me felt a little flat.

The performances were anything but, however. Meryl Streep, as always, was immersed in her character of the dreaded dragon-lady, the head nun, Sister Aloysius. It was easy to see why she was so feared by the students and summarily disliked, even hated, by her colleagues.

Hoffman as Father Flynn was at once kind and questionable, but at face value, he seemed like an ideal priest for this parish. His genuine caring and understanding was evident, and Hoffman played the role effortlessly, while allowing us to wonder about him without overt signs or glaring flaws.

Amy Adams was very well cast also, and did a wonderful job as the sugary sweet Sister James, but showed more heart and depth as she troubled herself over her role in judging Father Flynn. I honestly thought her role and her character was a shining spot in the movie, even surrounded by the heavy hitting talent.

This movie is definitely worth seeing, and I hadn't seen the play beforehand. I am sure the directors and writer's stayed true to the script in adapting it, but the ending to me was just lackluster compared to all the tension and build up throughout the film.