Streep Sweep
Thank you for your coverage on Meryl Streep and The River Wild (243, Oct.7), especially Kurt Markus' Mona Lisa-esque cover photo. I
found the movie a refreshing break from the scores of other action
flicks pumped full of meaningless killing. And the climactic scene,
in which a gun-toting Streep confronts her tormentor, is a telling
portrait of a society struggling to defend itself in an ever more
violent world.
Michael P. Stadtmueller
Oshkosh, Wis.
As James Greenberg's feature proves, Meryl Streep is a rare
treasure, not only for the film industry and for women, but for every
thinking individual on the face of the planet. To play her as a
character should be the dream role of many an aspiring actress. And
if she can sustain multimillion-dollar fees per picture, then more
power to her.
Doug Strassler
Vienna, Va.
Rollin' down The River Wild with Meryl Streep was more exciting
than any Arnold, Sly, or Jean-Claude extravaganza! And I'd cross a
dozen bridges to see Madison County. I wonder where Meryl will put
her third Oscar? Hopefully on dry land.
Howard Aaron Shapiro
New York City
Beyond Sexy
I was thrilled to finally see an article about possibly the best
actor of my generation. Brendan Fraser always exudes charm, wit,
strength, sensitivity, and vulnerability without appearing to be
cocky or stupid. The movies he has performed in, thus far, may not
have been blockbusters, but they have been entertaining and sometimes
even thought-provoking. I look forward to future work from, and
interviews with, this actor, who seems to be as modest and
charming — and sexy — off screen as on.
Jamie March
Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Thanks for the piece on Brendan Fraser. Not only is Fraser sexy,
but he can also act-for proof watch School Ties and With Honors,
where he more than held his own against Joe Pesci. In The Scout, he
is nothing short of brilliant; a funny, touching, and smart
performance. Who cares if Fraser isn't Tom Cruise: I'd rather see him
play not so dumb in Airheads than see Cruise in Interview With the
Vampire any day.
Gina Morris
San Francisco
Not For Kids
The movie reviews in the Parents' Guide are perfect examples of
the negative images children continually receive from the TV and film
industry. I disagree with the opinion that 10 is an appropriate age
to be exposed to violence. Films have a big impact on children, and
no 10-year-old needs to see a movie in which ''a woman is beaten to
death'' [Terminal Velocity] or ''two characters are shot and killed'' [The River Wild]. It seems that maybe if we keep children away from
guns and violence in movies, they will stay away from guns and
violence in real life. It couldn't hurt, could it?
Aaron Calander
San Francisco
Cho Biz
I like All-American Girl. Granted, it is a little simple, but
Grandma isn't a ''tidy stereotype'' or as ''hopelessly unassimilated'' as
your review suggests. She seems pretty cool to me. Whose grandmother
doesn't tell old stories? But how many are channel-surfing, eccentric
couch potatoes? Margaret Cho is a good enough actress to triumph over
the show's banal scripts and too wonderful a talent to waste. More
creative control for Cho is probably the answer to the show's
problems.
Carolyn Kowalski
Norfolk, Va.
