Not to expect a film with a "PG" rating have all the children leaving the cinema bawling their eyes out

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WARNING - SPOILER ALERT - IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEE MARLEY AND ME DON'T READ ANY FURTHER

Am I the only person who thought this would be a good film to take the kids too. FFS, the bloody dog dies in the end - some of the kids were howling - it pissed me off actually.

It is hugely advertised on children's channels! I thought it was aimed at children. I did read a synopsis of the book a few years ago but assumed the movie had been Hollywooded and was aimed at children. We are about to get a lab puppy so I thought it would be great to take DS to. I won't be now. Nor DH tbh!

"If you have ever had a pet you would realise that Death is part of life"

Precisely

It is advertised as a CHILDRENS movie, that is a movie for CHILDREN. How much more clear does it need to be? IF it is advertised for children it should be suitable for children, simple really!

In fcat death like this can be handled well in a movie and be part of the good side. I just don't feel that it was in this case.

ACtually I have just looked on Hungarian movie theatre site and they rate it as a 12.

Lucykate- IT WAS ADVERTISED ALL OVER THE CHILDRENS CHANNELS ( are we getting that yet?) Of course all films based on books (and aimed at children) stick absolutly to the book don't they

I thought it was very well handled, as it was "true to life"

My 3 year old went to see a pet lamb at our neighbours, last week, about an hour later it died.
I explained its part of life and it was sick, you know what she coped and has never mentioned it since. This is what having animals is all about.....its not all cutsy fluffy little puppies and I think older children should be exposed to that sort of thing

nametaken

Lily get over yourself, we have pets, had a family dog die at an old age. Kept animals for food blah blah blah.

None of that is relevant to this movie though. You ar not perfect bacuase your ds knows about an animal dying and the fact that he knows aobut that does not mean he would not be upset about a movie like this!

OMG - the dog dies!

I was going to take our DS2 to this for his birthday as he loves dogs. Thanks OP for letting me know.

Mind you, I got a bit of a trembly lip in Bolt so maybe I would be sobbing with the kids.

yes, i understand that but as it's rated 'pg' ultimately the decision is in the parents hands. my dd is 7, and i think she would be ok watching it, but then death is something she's already had experience of.

and no, not all films stay true to the book, but if you read the wiki account of the movie, it quite clearly says the dog dies.

a pg rated film means do your research first and then make the decision as to whether it's suitable or not.

blimey don't ever watch fluke

It would not have occurred to me that this was a childrens movie in any way.

The way it's been sold makes it look like a funny romance where adults prepare for having children.

I feel a bit out on a limb here but I thought about going with dh to see it, I wouldn't have even thought to take dd to it.

When did I mention I was perfect?

And is perfectly relevent to the movie...its a true to life story, based on a book about a family dog and ultimatly its death.
I just feel very strongly that children should be exposed to these facts of life in an honest manner.
That said, if a parent feels like a child is particularly sensitive and would be really upset, then perhaps it is not a film for them.

And I dont think a child being upset is a bad thing either.

Spoiler request: how does the dog die? Of old age?

Bambi's mum gets shot, and DP wants to ask if anyone on this thread remembers the Animals of Farthing Wood?

KingCanute I think you need to relax, no-one is saying that they are a better parent for exposing their child to death. Popele are different. There are plenty of adults who would cry at a film where a dog died, but that doesn't mean they would regret having gone, or think that the film was 'unsuitable'. Should we have ratings saying 'unsuitable for anyone with PMT' on sad films?

I'm taking ds to see this with grandma next weekend. I know the story as mum read it on holiday with us a while ago (and sobbed!). With two cats dying since ds has been here I reckon he is used to death. It is a pretty well known story so not sure why people are shocked that Marley dies. I think that PG is the right rating (unless it has a huge plot difference from the book).

I wouldn't take ds to a PG film unless I knew the story for that reason - how can I give parental guidance if I haven't a clue about the story. For those of you who are thinking about taking dcs to see this film but aren't sure there are plenty of websites with a detailed synopsis, like this one

they advertise injury lawyers all over children's tv too

Marley dies because of stomach problems - twisted gut. He is put to sleep.

it looks rubbish anyway, it has Jennifer Anniston in it, how good can it be?

Disclaimer She was brill in Friends though

I cried at so many movies as a child and most of them were U!...I want to know what do want to happen exactly?...it was indicated in the rating so DEAL

anyway, there are loads of children's films that cover the subject of death,

bambi - his mother dies
cinderella/snow white/beauty and the beast - main character's mother has died
finding nemo - mother dies in the first scene

Land before time.... I think I would cry if I watched it now

Good point Trillian. Also - I'm pretty sure Nemo's mum meets a sticky end in the first 5 minutes. And that just has a warning about "mild peril"!

x-posts with lucykate!

I had a lump at High School Musical 3 FFS must be gettin soft in my old age

Thanksfor this,

wasgoing to get it for my 4 & 2 yr old, wont nother now,

will stick with 'Bolt'

They love dog / cat films!