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5/29-6/4: Summer Cinema: Who Will Save Us Now?

We're inundated with them every summer, so we must like them. Action-adventure movies, where everyone saves someone from something. Tom Cruise saves America from evil hackers ("Mission Impossible"), the President saves the world from aliens ("Independence Day"), Sean Connery saves America from escaped convicts ("The Rock"), and Arnold, bless his heart, saves a beautiful woman from a dangerous man ("Eraser"). But does America need saving from shallow, action-packed summer cinema?

thorn: Not really; when it's 95 in the shade and the ennui of the beach is competing with the sand in your shorts as to which is more annoying, then you reallllllly need some diversion to break up the day. Watching over-muscled, testosterone-hyped he-men running around with big iron and brass casings, seems just about right

kara: What is summer for, if not for shallow, action-packed summer flicks? There are plenty of good non-action movies out there (for example, lots of stuff from Robert Redford's Sundance festival is released around the beginning of summer), but just as smaller movies don't get millions of dollars worth of hype in February, they also don't get that much hype in the summer. The difference, as always, is context - in February small movies aren't competing with Tom and Arnold. So ignore the action shows, if you must (I wouldn't for the world), but at least know that there is lots of other great stuff out there - don't give up on movies entirely!

ralphb: Summer movies are escapism, pure and simple. They're a chance to go into a cool, dark place and eat bad-for-you food and just get away for a couple of hours. It's a great place to send or bring the kids (depending on the rating, of course), too. It's not rocket science or brain surgery, it's just some fun. And, hey! If you don't like the genre, don't go! It's a (largely) free country. Unless your SO is addicted to these, no one makes you go. You can always stay home and rent something, like "The Bridges of Madison County" or whatever.

amie: as annoying and mindless as summer action flicks can be, one must keep in mind that it is these huge blockbusters which pump money into movie studios, and the richer a studio, the more willing it is to make more risky, artistic films.

Jaynee: I would much rather see a brilliant film like "Fargo" than anything by Arnold. I would much rather give my $7 to filmmakers who have something to say, rather them filmmakers who want the largest bomb explosion in scene one. I would much rather see people with TALENT on screen than computer animation and chromokey backgrounds. Give me the art films, give me the Coen Brothers, give me Steve Buscemi or Minnie Driver. I'd much rather have that than blockbusters, Ivan Reitman productions, and Tom Cruise or Gwyneth Paltrow.

JackyChan: Dude, there's only one man who can kick enough ass to become the king O' summer, and that's The Man�, Jackie Chan!

MDARNTON: America does not need saving from these movies. They aren't FILMS (like Casablanca) they are MOVIES--they are supposed to be FUN! I'd rather pay seven dollars for Arnold or Tom Cruise than Liam Neeson or Ralph Fiennes.

Luka: First of all, not all action-packed summer cinemas are shallow (although saying they all aren't is also untrue) so "saving" isn't the proper turn. Maybe "relieving" is more along the correct lines. Anyway, though, yes, we do need to banish a few shallow, redundant, and simply bad films. Of course, we always have the option of just not seeing the movie - and that requires no saving whatsoever.

Mary1611: Why not? People have different opinions, and I think that if people like these and go to them, why not have them simply because there are those who don't enjoy that kind of movie. Myself, I like almost any kind of movie; it depends on my mood, but I can't watch all comedies or all drama or all romance, I need some action in there too! I'm not saying to go out and make porno movies because people will watch them! :) But I think you understand what I mean. By the way, did you seen "Mission Impossible"? It really is a great film! Thank you. P.S. I'm a new member.

baydolph: I think we do because every year we end up having some type of action packed movie to save something. I would like to see a movie to save the dolphins...... Not some phoney movie to save someone, there are other good movies out, which are not so hyped as these are because of the actor. For example how a mother goes and becomes a stripper to feed her family. The drama shows are just as good or better, and do not forget there are other things to do as well, WALT DISNEY WORLD, if you live in Florida or some other park or being able to go some place to swim, or to learn to swim.

laraine: I think the quality of movies and television is getting degrading to the public. It appears writers and directors think our mentality is about the same as a three year old's. Movies should have a plot and should make you think. They also should bring out emotions that you thought you didn't have.

JKAP79: Summer isn't a time for slow movies. We go to the movies in the summer for many reasons. One is the air conditioning, and the other is to have fun. "Schindlers List" if it were a summer movie, nobody would go to see it. People don't typically go to long, slow, in depth movies, they just make us want to go outside, for we feel that we would be missing somwthing happening in the warm summer heat.

Newsman3: Plot? Character development? Continuity? I remember quality writing. According to Writer's Digest magazine, the biggest selling point for any "hot young talent" in the scriptwriting business is the word "young." If you're 40, you're history. No 20-year-old can possibly have enough life experience to tell a decent yarn, and that's why shallow writing is the norm today. Escapism is fine; I enjoy it myself in most movies. I go to escape the real world. But I also enjoy having my intellect stimulated as well. Life goes on.

roadkill: The trend over the past few summers to the genre of action adventure is startig to wear thin; at least in this household. What needs to be revived is a good musical. That is if the studios could find an actor that can sing or a singer that could act. Oh well, action it is then.

Colestock: I think America deserves fun in the summer. Save the serious cinema for the ponderous times of the year and let summer always be light and exciting and fun!

DFish: As long as Pauly Shore is still making movies, we are assured that deep, thought-provoking cinema will grace the big screen.