Comedy. Comedy. Comedy. Comedy. Thriller. Comedy. Swashbuckler. Comedy. Comedy. Thriller.

If you want any evidence that America wants to feel good, check the weekend box office tallies (genres listed above). Even comedies that were supposed to fizzle are sizzling. And so it has been this summer movie season. I can relate to the national sentiment–life during a recession is difficult enough. I certainly don’t need to pay money to go to a theater to experience tension, drama and an adrenalin rush.

Fundamental financial problems–along with a hearty dose of greed–drove us into our financial crisis. Getting out of the crisis is going to take a fundamental financial correction (much of which has already occurred) followed by a strong dose of optimism.

As a business owner I can tell you that our management team is on the brink of beginning to feel optimistic. We’re starting to think that the market may have hit bedrock and is starting to cruise through the bottom of its trough. We’re hoping that the current spike in new business activity is an early indicator of better economic times. We’re almost ready to think we might have made it through this trial with our skins intact.

It may take another month or so for us to admit to feeling a little better. After all, the world took a while to get into this mess and it certainly will take a while to get out. Meanwhile, I’ve seen a couple comedies this summer (and a swashbuckler) and might just go to see another next weekend.