Summer films

It is a common misconception that the only thing that plays during the summer are blockbuster action films. While the blockbuster action films — sometimes known as event films or tent pole films — get a lot of the publicity, they really comprise one of five types of films released during the summer season.

As with most things in life, movie producers seek to foster diversity. That's true in the summer too. As a result, there are basically five types of films released during the summer. The most well known are blockbuster films, which can include comic book films, epic adventures, or straight up action flicks.

But there are always other options. Each year a host of comedies — most of the ridiculous and guy-oriented are released. Occasionally you get gems like "The Hangover," but most of the time you get things like the recently released "MacGruber." Ditto for cartoons. Sometimes you get winners — "Wall-E" and "Up" were both summer films. Sometimes you don't. Case in point — "Shrek Forever After." The fourth type of film that is released as horror films. Though not as big in the summer as in other times of year, nonetheless some of these crop up. For example, the upcoming release of "Splice" is a good example.

But the last category is romantic comedies. I call this the ultimate example of counter programming. For instance, earlier this month while "Iron Man 2" and "Robin Hood" filled the testosterone quotient at cinemas, Amanda Seyfried took the lead in "Letters to Juliet." In fact, last year Sandra Bullock's triumphant return to romantic comedy, "The Proposal," was a June release to provide options to buffer blockbuster burn out.

But it's this last genre that needs some help. Romantic comedies are a niche genre to be sure, but they can be done well. If you create indelible characters, add some funny story lines, and don't drag your feet, the film can find an audience and make a profit even in the crowded summer season.

Sadly, recent entries in the genre haven't delivered the goods. Not to pick on one film in particular, but let's take "Juliet" for example. Ten minutes into the film I had practically written the movie off. I'll admit, some of the middle redeemed the film, but the weak opening construct practically killed the movie. That's the same problem the critically reviled "The Ugly Truth" had last summer.

In my opinion, here's the problem. First, the characters feel fake. Seyfried is a charming actress, but there was nothing believable about Sophie. The job felt fake, the like felt fake, the relationship felt fake and like a ridiculous plot device, and the story felt contrived. Problem. Now a couple strong performers and some better jokes buoyed the material for a time, but the basic premise remained flawed.

Obviously Sophie was meant to end up with Charlie, but honestly five minutes in you could tell her current relationship wasn't working and, in fact, had to wonder why they were together in the first place. And the longer you think about it, the more you have to wonder if she's not bound to end up in the same place with her new relationship. But, by then, you've lost the will to care.

I know this seems like a bit of a harsh criticism, and it might be easy to assume I'm anti-romantic comedy. That's not the case. I actually like the genre if it's done well, and there are plenty of past examples of strong work. However, recent films have felt like the production teams and performers were simply going through the motions.

But romantic comedies aren't alone. A number of genres — horror, adult comedy, even action films — have been off the past few years. After a particularly rough start to this summer, with a weekend on the horizon featuring a "Sex in the City" sequel and "Prince of Persia," one begins to wonder if there are any diamonds in the rough heading our way.

We'll just have to wait and see...