The good, the great and the amazing in summer’s blockbusters
Posted by The Skyliner on September 1st, 2010Jordan Ecarma
News & Features Editor
The films of summer 2010 varied in story and style, but they all carried a similar theme: escapism. Films like Toy Story 3 and Eclipse, featuring talking toys and sparkling vampires respectively, ruled the box office. For the most part, fantasy was the preferred summer fare, including some delightful twists along the way.
Iron Man 2
Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is on top of the world. Literally. He is wealthy, popular, handsome—and he can fly around the world whenever he wants to, thanks to the aid of a full body metal suit that essentially makes him a superhero. But in between his moments of greatness, things are falling through the cracks. There are the problems of the artificial heart in his chest—it’s keeping him alive while slowly poisoning him at the same time—and his on and off again love interest, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is alternately supportive of and frustrated by him.
As a hero, Stark usually means the best but ends up falling short. He is quite humanized for an action figure, making plenty of mistakes as he blunders his way to a happy ending. Downey, Jr., is great, as always, managing to keep the brilliant, childish, chronically narcissistic Tony Stark likable. As a film, Iron Man 2 lacks the breezy, effortless dazzle of the first film but still holds its own and entertains admirably.
Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 defies the sequel curse by being just as funny, insightful and sweet as its predecessors. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen), are back for one last adventure—or at least their final adventure onscreen. Their beloved owner Andy is going to college. All his toys except Woody are donated to a kids’ day care, where they are at the mercy of the preschool children at the center, and it is up to faithful Sheriff Woody to stage a rescue.
The toys have many narrow escapes on their way back home, as well as some bittersweet moments that probably had audience members wiping a few tears away behind their 3-D glasses. The film’s brilliance lies in both its sense of humor and sense of value. The dialogue has many hilarious moments, but the characters also exhibit courage, loyalty and love, making yet another Toy Story film an essential part of growing up.
Inception
The theme of escapism was brought to a climax when characters left reality altogether in what was arguably the best film of the summer, Inception. It takes its audience on a rollercoaster ride that is both visual and emotional. The cast is stellar, including Ellen Page as Ariadne (her most noteworthy turn since Juno) as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Arthur. Marion Cotillard is mesmerizing as the lovely, schizophrenic shade of Cobb’s dead wife, turning on a dime from tender to deadly, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s thoughtful portrayal of the main character keeps the storyline consistent. Director Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending vision is the highlight of the summer blockbusters, Inception being that rare action film that relies on compelling characters and story rather than mere special effects.
Tags: Fall 2010, Vol. 111 Fall - Issue 1