Summer Movies 2010: The Good, the Bad and the Bloody

Somewhere around mid-June, movie critics around the country started grumbling about the disappointing slate of summer movies. "Iron Man 2" wasn't as good as the first "Iron Man" everybody hated "Sex and the City 2," and nobody bothered to see "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time."

Some started to call it the worst summer movie season in more than a decade.

Of course all this complaining happened well before anybody saw "Toy Story 3" or "Inception," two films that, in terms of pure spectacle and narrative craftsmanship, are some of the most satisfying blockbusters in a long while.

Funny how it all evens out sometimes.

Summer 2010 may have had a slow start, but moviegoers had more than a few quality films to choose from this season. With "Toy Story 3," Pixar accomplished the unthinkable (again) in crafting a deeply personal and moving sequel that felt as fresh as the first installment. And with "Inception," director Christopher Nolan proved that smart, original ideas can still thrive in an industry favoring substandard sequels and superhero franchises.

Summer also offered a fresh supply of comedy for all ages. "Despicable Me," led by hilarious vocal work from Steve Carell, filled the family-friendly quota, Will Ferrell played in-between with his PG-13-rated "The Other Guys," and Russell Brand got filthy funny in the R-rated "Get Him to the Greek."

Nestled in between comedy and action, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" made the tuckered-out superhero genre feel fresh and exciting again. It's a real shame audiences didn't support it at the box office.

And unlike past years, summer 2010 was a real showcase for quality independent cinema. Expect to see the family dramedy "The Kids Are All Right," the bleak drama "Winter's Bone" and the piercing war documentary "Restrepo" on several year-end top 10 lists. Other quality indie films that screened within driving distance of Coeur d'Alene: "Cyrus," "Get Low," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "Please Give," "A Prophet," "Exit Through the Gift Shop," and the list goes on...

Then came a surprising August, with genre pictures like "Piranha 3D," "The Last Exorcism" and Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" delivering gore, scares and really loud explosions to its core demographics. "Piranha" may not be a very good movie, but it knows exactly what to do with its dismembered limbs and terrible dialogue.

Not every movie is going to be good. That's just the way summer blockbuster season works. You won't be getting your "Last Airbender" money back anytime soon, and Adrian Brody's abs won't be offering a heartfelt apology for "Predators."

As for those who sat through "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore," I tried to warn you four months ago. You should have known better.

Ticket Stubs is sponsored by the Hayden Cinema Six Theater. Read more film reviews and pop culture commentary at www.NormdogEntertainment.com. Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.