Scott Frank (1) (1960–)

Who decided this was "tense, darkly funny, unputdownable"? I'll give you unputdownable but I didn't find it particularly tense and it was in no way funny. I found it interesting and readable but it was more sad than anything. The main character was basically tragic. Half of the story was told in a flashback to his childhood which was just heartbreaking. Most of the other important characters in the book were pretty broken too. There was a lot about gang life and what drives people to take it up. There was quite a bit of coincidence but I still felt the need to keep reading to see how it was all going to play out. The current setting of the story is in LA where earthquakes are happening. The flashbacks are in Missouri. It was fun to see the Royals and the Cardinals playing part in the story however peripherally.

The book is pretty bloody. I was catching glimpses of Kill Bill I think. I didn't like how it ended. There were several story lines that just seemed to be dropped. Plus a whole bunch of people died some I liked some I didn't and I totally didn't like the last page. Did he live or did he die? I don't like that up in the air. So basically I liked? it. I guess but I will not be recommending it at the bookstore. "Here, read this sad but interesting ish book?"… (more)

What a lovely film! The chemistry between Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston is perfect, as they move from passionate honeymooners to frustrated dog-owners to harassed, exhausted parents. The dog Marley is huge, full of energy, and unbelievably destructive. Yet he's part of their family.

Some excellent scripting and very funny scenes that made us laugh aloud, as well as some extreme poignancy, not all of it expected. The ending is sad and moving, and could be upsetting to sensitive folk, but beautifully done. Not for children - there are more innuendoes than I would expect in a PG-rated film - but highly recommended for adults and teens.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2022/03/marley-and-me-jennifer-aniston-owen....… (more)