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Saturday, July 01, 2006

Does the World Need a Savior (Superman?)

***warning, slight spoiler references***

Yes, that's right. I just returned home after going to the theatre to see Superman Returns. Although I had heard from one person that it wasn't good and that he fell asleep during it, that person is too young to remember the original movies and has no sentimental attachment to the story. My connections run much deeper.

For years, I've been enamored with the *idea* of Superman. I grew up with the movies and Christopher Reeve became somewhat of an icon in my mind. I went to the theatre to see all 4 movies and own the VHS and DVDs. He was the ultimate superhero.

But why?

What about him made him so much better to me than Batman or Spiderman or the other superheroes from the comics? Why did I enjoy those stories but always return to Superman?

If you go see this new movie, you'll probably figure it out. Then again, some of you might already have. Perhaps I'm just a bit more thick-headed than most. :) However, others around my age hadn't realized it either. So, at least I'm not a complete dunce. And what's the answer?

Superman's physical existence bears a strong resemblance to that of Jesus Christ. Think about it. A father sends his only son to the earth to save it. He comes to earth as a baby, is raised by humans, realizes he's different, eventually communes with his father to discover his father's plan for him, and then sets up his life to live out his father's will.

And if you're not convinced by the original comic strip, TV series, movies or second TV show, the truth in this recent movie is impossible to ignore. There are voiceovers done by Jor-El, Superman's (Kal-El) father, where he says:

"Even though you have been raised as a human being, you're not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all—their capacity for good—I have sent them you...my only son."

But that's not all. There are blatant references to the world not needing a savior. Lois Lane says this line. Yet, Superman takes her above the city and asks her what she hears. When she says nothing, he says he hears everything. "You tell me the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying out for one."

In addition, there is a confrontation where Superman is weakened by crystalized kryptonite, beaten and bruised and pierced in the side with a "spear" of kryptonite, then left for dead. He manages to rid the world of the problematic source by bearing the weight of it on his shoulders as he sends it out into space. But the encounter weakens him so much that he spreads out his arms and falls down to earth. "Dead" according to the monitors, he is resurrected and lives on.

Oh, and when he is weak, he gets his strength from the sun (Son). :)

So, who is *your* favorite superhero?

6 comments:

Anne said...

My personal favorite superhero?
Hmm... until a few years ago I would have answered, "Bah, I don't need no stinkin' superhero". But with the world as it is today, it's a nice way to escape everyday's little and big problems.

At some point I started watching the Lois and Clark series; later I began watching Smallville ... and step by step even dared to watch the original Superman movies.

So, I guess he's "my" hero when it comes to ficiticious people.

A hero that's really alive and kicking would be Jane Seymour to me, with everything she does. LOL, I think you understand that, Tiff. ;)

Gosh, I adore the layout of your blog. I just love the header!

(((Hugs)))
Anne

PatriciaW said...

The Green Lantern, the African-American one (I have to say that because there were two, 1 AA and 1 Caucasian), from Justice Leage. Because my boys gets to see an AA superhero that doesn't try to speak "hip" or act goofy. Because "I" get to see an AA superhero, which every now and then I need to see.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Anne, I have always thought the "hero" titles are best left to imaginary people, but real people who accomplish great feats fit that bill even better. Maybe Jane really is one. :)

And glad you like the blog design. I was....inspired. *g*

Patricia, I'm not as familiar with Justice League, but I've seen images of the Green Lantern. It's great when we can identify with a superhero on the screen.

Georgiana Daniels said...

I always preferred Superman to any of the others, in fact, I can't stomach some of the others. Yet I hadn't picked up on the similarities you pointed out. Duh, how could I miss it?

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Don't feel bad, Georgiana. I didn't realize it either until this past year. So, you're not alone. Amazing how we miss what's right in front of us.

J. M. Hochstetler said...

Great blog, Tiff! My husband and I went to see the movie Monday, and I agree totally with your review.

It was just thrilling to see all the tie-ins with the gospel! And when Superman threw that huge, ugly ball (HAD to be our sins) out into space, and then drifted down to earth spread out as if he were on a cross, and descended into the earth.....I got chills! I hope this message sinks deep into a lot of hearts.