It *is* rare to find a critic in the popular press who writes with knowledge
and perception and (dare one say?) something like a theoretical base to anchor
opinions.  In the Good Old Days, there were writers like Kael and Sarris
(like oil and vinegar, but they could bring flavor to a film) who wrote out
of a deep love and respect for film that transcended issues of taste or a
concern for the ups and downs of a star's celebrity status.  I should mention
Phil Anderson in the Twin Cities, who writes for the free weekly CITY PAGES.
 
He is the best single reviewer in the Metro area--though I fear this will be
taken as faint praise indeed.
 
One word in defense of Siskel and Ebert--as TV sweater-types go, they're the
best of a bad lot.  When they're not too busy posturing on Letterman and
going on about each other's looks, they can serve an educational function.
Is there any other nationally known reviewer who *regularly* cites older
films, reviews foreign and independent films, and actually takes a little
time now and then to talk about such issues as colorization, film preservation,
and even aspect ratios?
 
 
Don Larsson, Mankato State U (MN)
 
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