I had a real problem with your ageist review of A Walk in the Woods (Sept. 10). Why such sarcasm reviewing a film that appeals to those not in your age group? Are you reviewing movies only for college students and 20-somethings?

My husband and I are in our 70s and we go to films a lot. To say demeaningly that because we were born before 1950, we’ll love it? And Anna, to say you have “no reference point” for the jokes, does that mean you only understand and enjoy movies made for your age group? I guess so. Do you have to have a personal reference point for everything in a film in order to “get it?” This seems very limiting for you.

I have no problem with a reviewer saying that, in her opinion, a film appeals to a certain age group. This is true of most movies. But your dismissive attitudes diminished your credibility as reviewers. I now have no clue whether the movie is worth seeing or not since you didn’t review it on its merits but rather on your prejudices. I would like to know, for example, how it compares with the book, and how well it captures the Appalachian Trail experience. These are questions that would occur to real reviewers.

When writing off your elders, remember you may some day be part of that “older crowd.” May I suggest a measure of empathy? 

-- Charlotte Berney - San Luis Obispo