It's nice to see Jeff Vice examining the role of critics in America ("Bad Reviews, Good Box Office?" June 17). I have thought, for some time, that movie critics seem to be writing for each other — not for the rest of us.
Don't get me wrong. I find Mr. Vice's reviews useful, although probably not in the way he would think. Generally I have found that if he thinks a movie is a turkey, I find myself agreeing. However, when he gives a movie three or four stars, I can usually rest assured that I will find that movie to be too "artsy," tedious or depressing. A rating of two to three stars usually indicates a movie that will prove to be entertaining and interesting to me.
It may come as a surprise to movie critics and moviemakers alike, but most of us don't go to the movies to become enlightened, persuaded, entreated, shocked or bored to tears. Sometimes we just want to be entertained.
Gerry Graves
Riverton