The 3-D action-adventure movie "R.I.P.D." was D.O.A. at the box office this weekend. But it hasn't killed off the summer.

The would-be blockbuster from Universal Pictures cost $130 million to make but took in $12.8 million. Universal did not respond to requests for comment, but it is safe to say the studio is not alone in falling short of expectations this summer.

While...