Trashing a Rehash

I’m still reeling from Kevin Thomas’ review of “Virus” (“Intrepid Cast, Electric Aliens Spark ‘Virus,’ ” Jan. 18). With an 8-year-old son, I see my share of lightweight fare, but this pic took the cake.

I can’t believe Thomas could summon up such words as “wizardry,” “entertaining” and (shudder) “stunning” for such a truly insubstantial, derivative, unimaginative cookie cutter of a film. “Solid storytelling and strong characterizations”? My God, this was as classic a rehash as we’ve seen in years of alien-presence-vs.-scrappy-crew.

KAT JOHNSON

Los Angeles

*

As a member of the cast of the “Virus,” I’d like to humbly thank Kevin Thomas for his kind words. From the standpoint of those of us who worked so hard on that film, it was heroic of him to give us that kind of attention.

MARSHALL BELL

Los Angeles

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I have been reading movie reviews for 30 years, and Kevin Thomas’ review of “At First Sight” was the most expertly written review I have ever read (“Winkler’s ‘At First Sight’ Takes an Observant Look at Life, Love,” Jan. 15). He writes with such clarity and fine control of the English language that it is a pleasure to read his opinions.

I am teaching at a university in the United Arab Emirates, and the reviewer for the local paper here in Dubai is usually so far off the mark that we need to seek reviews on the Net to counterbalance his hack criticisms. Congratulations to Thomas for his exquisite writing style.

HOLLY HOLDER SANCHEZ

English Department

Dubai Men’s College