We saw "Marley & Me," over the weekend. While it was well done, it was sad - particularly having lived it three times in the last year. If the goal was to make sure there wasn't a dry eye in the theater, it was hugely successful.

Given that and the review for "Seven Pounds" makes me wonder why the studios release these "downers" during the holiday season? Scott?

Tom, good question. And you can put this in the "I'm not a studio executive, I only play one on the Internet" file, but my thumbnail analysis:

* If the primary movies for the holiday season are (A) holiday related, (B) big blockbuster movies, and (C) late season Oscar entrants on a few screens to qualify for Acad Awards, then I suppose 'downer' movies could be considered "counterprogramming," the idea being that this is a time of year where people have time and like to go to movies, if everything else is sold out, why not go see the sad dog movie.

* People like dogs.

* People like a good cry.

* People like Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

Same sort of thinking for Seven Pounds with the exception that because Will Smith is Will Smith, a huge bankable talent, it was probably a given -- deal wise -- that the movie would be slotted for a prime holiday release date.

That's my two cents.

It was the gift the young couple had, Marley is his name. I love to see movies like this so much of nature and love shared. It shows how much a pet can do. These young people wanted to have a baby and for the first step to change their ways of living and caring they took a puppy. He get bigger and do lot of adventure. I saw on http://www.80millionmoviesfree.com wonderful movie it was. Marley & Me (2008) is a movie lot been appreciate for sure