Marley is no ordinary dog story

by Genevieve Hassan Entertainment reporter, BBC News

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star in Marley & Me

From its film poster and trailer, you would probably assume that Marley & Me is your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy involving a cute dog.

But for anyone who is familiar with the memoir on which it is based - about the real-life story of journalist John Grogan - you would know it is not just a dog story.

And it is something that both the stars of the film, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, and film-maker David Frankel are keen to stress.

"You think it's a story about a mischievous dog - and it is - but it's so much more than that," says Aniston.

US success

The film follows the first 15 years of married life for John and Jenny Grogan who decide to get a puppy - Marley - to help prepare themselves for having children. But he turns out to be "the world's worst dog" causing mayhem wherever he goes.

"The story is about the highs and lows of being young and in love and encountering the challenges of marriage," says director David Frankel, who previously directed The Devil Wears Prada.

We had babies, puppies, children, adult dogs, old dogs, kids...it wasn't as bad as people think - actually it was quite enjoyable. Jennifer Aniston

"It also deals with the dreams that get sacrificed for the joys of children and about the challenges of balancing career and family."

The film was a surprise hit in the US when it was released on Christmas Day last year.

It topped the box office for two weeks and has so far grossed more than $141 million (