Marmaduke MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: +3

Main actors: Owen Wilson (voice), Emma Stone (voice), George Lopez (voice), Kiefer Sutherland (voice), Lee Pace. Director: Tom Dey.FILM SYNOPSIS: Marmaduke, the film, is nothing like the cartoon many of us have followed since we were kids. Yes, the giant great dane looks the same, but that’s where the similarity ends. Marmaduke (Owen Wilson) belongs to the Winslow family who is suddenly relocated to southern California because Phil (Lee Pace) has an opportunity to become marketing director for a large manufacturer of dog food. Marmaduke is introduced to a dog park where the purebreds rule and mutts are literally the underdogs. Marmaduke falls for Jezebel, a beautiful collie, much to the chagrin of the alpha dog, Bosco (Kiefer Sutherland). Meanwhile Maizie (Emma Stone), one of the mutts, tries to indoctrinate Marmaduke into the dog park subculture. If you don’t set your sites too high, this summer treat may seem less like a treatment.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Marmaduke is truly each family member’s best friend. They share things with him that they can’t with others. Even the cat Carlos (George Lopez) considers the great dane his best friend. But for most families, a pet like Marmaduke would be shuffled off to the nearest shelter after a few days. He destroys furniture and shrubbery, and eats everything in sight, which for him includes anything on kitchen counters and tables. His owners are forgiving until he hosts a party for all his new canine friends while the family is away. The motley crew urinates on the furniture, tears the stuffing out of cushions, etc. Banished to the outside, Marmaduke wanders from home, gets lost, saves a damsel in distress and becomes a hero.

Hey, it’s summer and the kids need a break. Marmaduke is no Marley & Me, but it’s harmless fun for youngsters. There’s no foul language, profanity or obscenities. The animals show human traits of jealousy, misguided allegiances and petty resentments along with loyalty, kindness and friendship for each other.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: 20th Century Fox