THEMED

As Jack Mathews pointed out (“Checkbook Count on Summer Films,” Sept. 3), success is often measured against expectations and clearly is in the eye of the beholder (witness “Cobra” being considered a disappointment for doing only $50 million in receipts).

Another definition that is clearly in the eyes of the beholder is the term “adult-themed film.” Although “Legal Eagles,” “About Last Night . . .” and “Heartburn” clearly have adult themes and “Ruthless People” might have an adult theme, I found it astonishing that anyone who has seen “Running Scared” would consider it an adult-themed film.

On second thought, I find it preposterous that “Running Scared” could be considered a film with a theme at all. A more puerile waste of talent may never have been put on celluloid.

ANDREW E. RUBIN

Santa Monica