LETTERS TO L.A. LIFE : READER GIVES THUMBS-UP TO FILM CRITICS STRAUSS, WHIPP.

In the Jan. 17 L.A. Life was a letter to the editor from David Ian Marsh of Woodland Hills blasting Bob Strauss and Glenn Whipp. Although I am an avid moviegoer and personal critic to anyone who will listen, I think these two reviewers are among the best in Los Angeles and the nation. Their reviews are usually always insightful and honest, and not too grand or rude.

I think critics are, above all, a necessary joy and evil to moviegoers. As far as Mr. Marsh's assertion that real normal-minded people should review movies, that is absurd. Movies are, as Mr. Marsh says, ``undeniably art forms,'' and in the past 20 years are the major art form, and they look to become more prevalent in the future. And as a form of entertainment, they should be held up to the same standards as art.

Cary Dean Bazan

Glendale

This letter is addressed to Daily News film reviewer Bob Strauss:

For the record, I am not not - repeat, am not - an Academy nomination voter. I'm glad the awesome task is not my responsibility this year, although I do have my opinions as does everyone.

In your ``Dear Academy voters'' article of Jan. 22, your ``opinions'' are clearly evident in your ``reminders'' about the films you deemed worthy and about those you deemed not worthwhile.

I felt the article, while with merit, was somewhat patronizing to the people you were addressing and at the same time a bit heavy-handed in its attempt to influence those in whose direction it was aimed. But then maybe that's part of the job description. I just wish there was - and maybe there is not - a fairer, more objective way to review and criticize the enormous amount of films to be considered.

- Frank Consolo

Granada Hills