FANNING BURT

I read with heartfelt sympathy Craig Modderno’s Jan. 4 article (“Burt Reynolds Is the Comeback Kid”) about the plight of Mr. Burt Reynolds (“I need to make some good movies.” Gee, how did he ever figure that out?).

Let me get this straight. By releasing three movies back-to-back this year, which admittedly center around trite and familiar themes, Reynolds can erase the public image of his health and rejuvenate his career.

Sorry, Burt, but the only way you can revive your career is by releasing quality films one by one, not in a multipack.

Losers like “Stroker Ace” and “Cannonball Run II” were the result of carelessness and little clear thinking.

So here’s the plan, Burt. Don’t make a movie as a favor to a friend, but wait for a role you can take pride in. And while you’re at it, find yourself a new set of friends, ones that won’t try to back-stab you at whim.

VIVIEN LOU CHEN

Los Angeles