Super Heroes?

If anyone who reads this blog was going through adolescence, or even taking their first dip into the "maturity" in 1978, I envy you greatly. Well, maybe there's a little pity there as well since the Bee Gees were going through the height of their popularity while Keith Moon left the world for rock-god heaven that year, but I'm jealous of you for your films; one in particular- Superman. The movie that promised, "You'll believe a man can fly!" and featured Christopher Reeve in all his wire-strung glory- not that anyone was looking for them back then. Seeing Reeve rise above the clouds and exemplify justice, freedom, the American Way and all that we Earthlings could only hope for in our dreams must have been miraculous, and I so wish I could I been there to feel it. Back in 1978, and the years in World War II that saw the birth and golden age of comic books, Superheroes truly were super. They represented the shining example of what we should all strive to become- flawless and beautiful in their perfection. Their powers were merely a blessing which allowed them to better carry out their noble duties and serve the patriotic people of their country. In this summer of 2008, with four major superhero movies arriving in cinemas during these months of sun and surf, seeing a man fly is no longer breathtaking and liberating; in fact, in these contemporary days, it is something of a curse.

Modern society seems to hate the extraordinary. We've become more and more cynical as our world sinks into an energy and environmental crisis, and it seems more plausible to see a protagonist grappling with moral ambiguity and revenge issues than to see one who is motivated purely by goodwill. When sacrifice is brought up, we would rather focus on what is being given up than what is being gained. Our current crop of cinematic heroes reflects this trend in the utmost. Tony Stark drowns away his troubles with alcohol, and must do great wrong before he can be inspired to do right. Redemption here is another key issue. These superbeings atoning for their past shows to us that though we are allegedly living in the end of times, we also may redeem ourselves. Bruce Banner as The Hulk is another similarly troubled Super- tormented by his government and his condition as he flees across the globe. Finally, a new entry into the Superhero cannon this summer is Hancock as played by Will Smith. Here we are looking at an alcoholic homeless bum who only agrees to reform his ways to wave away a prison sentence. Classy. Yes, I am aware of the age-old rule, "There is no drama without conflict," but I for one wouldn't mind believing that not only can a man fly, but do so out of the goodness of his own free heart.