Marley & me.... I'm the worst mother ever!!!!

[April Cliber]

Two years ago I read Marley & me. I laughed, I cried (well more like sobbed.) I loved it! From the moment I heard about the movie I have been eagerly anticipating it's arrival in theaters. It's funny how over time your memory dulls a bit. I remembered some things in the book that might not be child friendly, but the movie is rated PG, so I ASSume that those things aren't included. I know the ending is sad, but also know it's very funny and again, ASSume it may be sad at the end, but the kids will enjoy it. After all, it's about a silly dog, right? I am not knocking the movie. As an adult it was entertaining, hysterical at times, emotional and well done. In the eyes of my children it was... well let's just say I have significantly traumatized and scarred them. First, it was boring for a kid, second there are a couple bedroom scenes, NOT graphic, but certainly more than I want my 7 & 10 year old to see. I covered their eyes through a couple of parts. There was much more language than I remember being allowed in PG movies. I'm sure I was more aware of it being that my kids were on either side of me. I may not have noticed it otherwise. Then there was the ending. We (along with the rest of the theater) sobbed and I mean SOBBED through the last 20, or so minutes. It was heart wrenching. Again, as an adult, I can handle it. My kids were heart broken an continued to cry after the movie was OVER! Now they are worried about how & when their dogs will DIE! Well, ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas. I just paid to strike fear and worry into my children. I am the kind of protective mother that annoys the crap out of people. Now, I'm a guilt ridden mother who will do more research before taking kids to a "silly dog" movie again. I'll humbly accept my crappy mother of the year award now.

[Kathy Janes]

My husband and I read the book when we lost our own yellow lab; it was a good part of our grieving and healing process. But we both sobbed so much at the end (it was so like Meg's end) that I knew I wasn't going to see the movie in the theater. I'll wait and watch the video when I can cry for hours at home. How we love our dogs! We swore we'd never go through that pain again, but the empty spot in our house was so big. Then we saw a goldendoodle and in days we had Mater! So I guess we'll have to endure loss again one day, but for now we are sure loving the good times! (P.S. You aren't a bad mom - even the schools MAKE the kids read stories that are tough to get through. Remember Steinbeck's "Red Pony"? Much worse...)

[fish with hands]

April - How funny that I would read this book over New Years break and then try to pass it off to you ! Thanks for the heads-up on the movie -- you are not a terrible mother, this has happened to everyone one time or another. We'll skip the movie for now and watch Elf for the 20th time ;)
Shari :)

[April Cliber]

Oh Ann, I'm so sorry!!! That's awful! I'm glad you aren't seeing the movie right now. It would be too hard. ((((hugs)))) ~April

[Jojo]

I went with a twelve year old and we have two beautiful goldendoodles. She cried but for us it was easier because she has lived through two dogs getting put to sleep. My friend went with her 8 year old and she cried but was okay. My friend explained to her that he was in pain and that was best and all people and animals die at some point.

[Tamara & Giada]

I hate it when they put inappropriate things in PG movies. I have done this before with movies (Click, and Kangaroo Jack)................I too felt like the worst mother. What can ya do??
We were going to see it, but opted to see Bedtime Stories (awesome btw)! I think my kids are old enough, althoug I worry about my son being borred. I think we'll rent it.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

I for one am going to give you a huge hug of gratitude April. As you know, our daughter is 17 and our son is 9. This was one of the movies we were thinking of watching over the Christmas break. From the commercials it appeared to be very up beat and funny. I was not aware of the book's ending so only knew the plot from previews. Had we seen it as a family I suspect we all would have had to leave the theater. Our eldest dog, Keegan is 12 and in frail health. He is not in any pain whatsoever but it is a day to day concern of ours that he's going to pass. So much so that my husband slept on the couch with him last night as he was concerned and didn't want him to pass alone. This movie would have been too timely for us given its ending. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the head's up.

[Adina P]

P.S. NO "crappy mother" award for you...I think MANY others have you beat ;-)

[Adina P]

I'm going to see it an 1 hour. Almost went with my nieces on Christmas---SOOO glad their dad said NO (he wanted to screen it first) ...

[April Cliber]

Holly, I am certainly not going to make that call! If I were you, I'd see it first and then decide. It really depends on the kid and the circumstances....

[April Cliber]

Lynda,
I really don't think we disagree.... I liked it. :o) I said, "It was, entertaining, hysterical at times, emotional and well done." I don't have a problem with euthanasia being in the move. I don't actually have any problem with the movie. My beef was with myself for taking young kids. Most 13 year olds probably would be OK, but not 7, IMO. For adults and teens it's good. My point was that I shouldn't have taken my 7 & 10 year old with me. So really, I think, we agree. Great movie, just not for young kids.....