Cloud Tree
Why I Don't Trust Film Critics' Reviews
RECEIVED Sun., Dec. 15, 2013
Dear Editor,
Marc Savlov's movie review of The Book Thief is why I don't read critics' reviews before seeing movies [Film Listings, Nov. 29]. How many people missed out on this very good film because of Marc Savlov's negative review (largely based on his disappointment that the movie doesn't live up to the book)? I had not read the book and wasn't planning on seeing the film, but I was aware of the 1 1/2 star rating in the Chronicle. At my daughter's insistence, I accompanied her to the movie and found a powerful film with wonderful acting and a gripping tale of a family living in Nazi Germany trying to do the right thing in the face of the horrors of that time. I really did laugh and cry, and my daughter and I had an excellent discussion about the powerful message in the film and the importance of understanding history and standing up for what's right. The only “torture” I suffered was reading Marc Savlov's review of the movie afterward. Do yourself a favor and ignore Marc Savlov and go see this movie.
Marc Savlov's movie review of The Book Thief is why I don't read critics' reviews before seeing movies [Film Listings, Nov. 29]. How many people missed out on this very good film because of Marc Savlov's negative review (largely based on his disappointment that the movie doesn't live up to the book)? I had not read the book and wasn't planning on seeing the film, but I was aware of the 1 1/2 star rating in the Chronicle. At my daughter's insistence, I accompanied her to the movie and found a powerful film with wonderful acting and a gripping tale of a family living in Nazi Germany trying to do the right thing in the face of the horrors of that time. I really did laugh and cry, and my daughter and I had an excellent discussion about the powerful message in the film and the importance of understanding history and standing up for what's right. The only “torture” I suffered was reading Marc Savlov's review of the movie afterward. Do yourself a favor and ignore Marc Savlov and go see this movie.
Michael Simmons
