Meet In The Lobby

I haven’t read the book, but I imagine this movie will be a suitable adaptation for the same crowd that gobbles up every tired “coming of age / this is a methaphor for life” sickly sweet treacly plot line.

Heh! I’m not a bitter old man, really.

- Rod -

You may be right. It could even be a down-the-middle family movie, but I’m thinking that’s unlikely if Scott Frank is getting his hands on it.

In a case like this, I think the studios like to make sure the movie immediately attracts the book’s readers — it’s the ultimate built-in audience. It’s different when a book doesn’t have much visibility, and is just taken as a good literary source.

Talk to you again.

-Norm S.

If they can get a suitable Marley character-it is a sure winner. Anyone who hasn’t read the book cannot really comment on the film adaptation.

- Donna -

You mean they need to cast the right dog? I never thought of it that way, but you’ve got a great point!

And I agree — no one can comment on a film adaptation if they haven’t read the book. How else can they judge the quality of the adaptation?

However, in my opinion, anyone who see any movie has a right to comment on it. Those comments may not be within the context of having read the book, but if they saw the movie, that’s what they should talk about.

A colleague of mine was crucified years ago for giving Black Hawk Down a negative review. He got tons of hate mail from people saying a) he must not have read the book; and b) if he had read the book, he’d understand.

Well, a) he had read the book and b) he still thought the movie sucked.

Just an anecdote I thought you might look. Here’s the review if you’re interested: http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/Black-Hawk-Down

See you Donna. Thanks for coming by.

-Norm S.

I did read “Marley and Me” and I think my dog Buddy could play the dog part of Marley. While reading the book, I could have sworn the author had been peeping in my windows at Buddy.

Anyway, I hope they don’t make the movie stupid like “Underdog” or “Airbud.” It should be more like a “Lassie” type movie but with better acting from the humans.

I sure do hope Owen Wilson can pull this off. I personally think they should have asked Johnny Depp to play the owner. He’s a convincing actor in both drama and comedy, which this movie will require both.

- Linda G. -

I’d be disappointed if this became an overly family-friendly comedy. I don’t mind heartwarming, but there’s gotta be some guts behind it. Otherwise, it’s just a Hallmark card.

I like your Johnny Depp idea, but this may be too mainstream for his ideas and approaches. Mark Ruffalo? Josh Hartnett? Paul Giamatti?!

Give my best to Buddy.

Best,

Norm S.