Marley & Me

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Just released on March 31, this is a great film about a family's relationship with their larger-than-life dog. Yup, there's a lot of hilarity from the antics and giant mess making from Marley, but at the same time, this is also a powerful story that will tug at your heartstrings. Based on a New York Times bestselling autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan, this is real story that contains serious life lessons. Pet owners will easily relate to so much of the content, though viewers should beware there is a sad/bittersweet ending to be prepared for.

Jennifer Aniston and Luke Wilson team up as a husband-wife duo (The Grogans) who adopt a badly behaved Labrador retriever. That would be Marley. This is a mutt who gets into everything and even fails miserably at obedience school. Among others, his talents include chewing drywall, eating jewelry, destroying the sofa, stealing the Thanksgiving turkey and chasing the UPS guy! The dog is completely nuts and the Grogans have to figure out how to live with the chaos or tame him.

Yes, this is definitely a physical comedy about hilarious dog antics, but there is more substance. As Marley grows older, the Grogans' relationship grows and evolves. Eventually the family discovers that Marley, “the world’s worst dog,” somehow brings out the best in them. He is an incredibly difficult dog, but a becomes a much loved member of the family. Sometimes family members don't behave exactly how you want them to - which is why unconditional love is so important.

I would absolutely consider this a family film, but not for young children. The sad ending may be too much emotion for little ones, plus it contains a tiny bit of adult humor and language. It can be difficult to find a movie that tweens and adults can enjoy together, but this fits the bill. So get ready for some belly laughs, but grab a box of tissues for the ending. This film offers a little bit of every emotion.

Single Disk $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada

Special Edition $34.98 U.S./$45.98 Canada

Blu-ray Disc $39.99 U.S./$49.98 Canada

Garfield's Fun Fest

Fox Home Entertainment
$19.98

I realize this is showing my age, but I remember watching Garfield on Saturday morning cartoons every single week. We loved his sarcastic wit, his predictable daily routines, and most of all - the Odie drop kick. Celebrate Garfield's 30th anniversary with this new DVD.

Written by Garfield's creator Jim Davis, the video picks up where the cartoons left off, but with more of a plot. Welcome to Fun Fest - a talent contest recognizing the funniest comic strip in Cartoon World. Garfield wins every year, and sees no reason this year should be any different. Unfortunately, there's a new cat in town, Ramone, who gives Garfield a run for his money in the funny department.

Not only is the fat cat bested in dress rehearsal, he also loses his girlfriend Arlene to Ramone. Down and out, he is determined to regain his sense of humor. Odie and Garfield put their heads together and decide drinking water from the Magical Pond in the Mystical Forest is the key to winning the contest and winning back Arlene.


If you loved him as a child, you'll be instantly transported back by joining Garfield and Odie on their adventure. Kids will find the fast moving action engaging, and the dry wit entertaining. There's also plenty of the slapstick physical comedy that this cartoon has been known for.