When I had my own children (boys especially), I was introduced to an entirely new world of superheroes. The most popular in our home was Batman. Baby Markio gave his complete and undivided attention to an animated TV series featuring the Caped Crusader. I found, however, that I was at a loss, trying to understand exactly who Batman was. Unlike my childhood idol, Batman had no inherent strength, but instead relied on gadgets. He wasn't motivated by grounded morals, but instead was moved to help others because he was trying to erase violent memories from his childhood. He didn't stand for all to see, but kept to the shadows. I didn't understand how Batman, or Spiderman, or any of the X-men could even be in the same category as Superman; they were all flawed individuals.
And perhaps that is why I never liked Lois Lane. Margot Kidder played her in the original films, and I couldn't imagine a more revolting character. In fact, as I saw Clark Kent fall over himself to help her and love her, I was disgusted. He could have any woman on the planet, and he chose a brash, chain-smoking, ugly, insecure damsel to save. The hardest moment for me in the first movie was when Superman picks up Lois and flies her all over the world, at night, to the "Love Theme from Superman", otherwise known as "Can You Read My Mind?" I would have given anything for Superman to have come to my home and flown with me instead. At least I didn't smoke.Of all the Superman movies that now exist, my favorite is "Superman Returns" with Brandon Routh as Superman, Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey as a brilliant Lex Luthor. It's not on the top of anyone's list of Superman movies, but I promise if you give it a chance, you will love it. In this movie, Lois isn't as obviously repulsive as Margot Kidder was in the original, but you still have reason to dislike her. In the beginning of the movie, you find out that she has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for writing the article "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman".
Like I said, she's not obviously brash. In fact, Kate Bosworth is quite likable as Lois. However, there is a subtlety in her repulsion of the perfect man. In my mind, I can only ask, "Why, Lois? Why do you feel the need to disparage Superman?"
In a turn of fortunate events, this movie was playing today while I was working out at the gym. I came into it with only 30 minutes left, but that remaining time hit me like Kryptonite. I have heard, as I'm sure you have, that Superman is supposed to represent Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. And just as my spirit is touched by the sacrifices of Aslan in the Narnia books, my love for Superman grows every time I see him saving humanity once again. I believe that our souls recognize the figure of Christ in other people, and as they do, we love those characters.
As I watched Lois Lane, once again rejecting Superman, I saw something familiar in her thoughts and actions. Dear chain-smoking, ugly, disenchanted Lois represents all of us imperfect beings. Superman only sees the good in her, and he does everything he can to save her from herself, even sacrificing his own life when necessary. Just like our Savior. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He suffered for us. He died for us. And he has given his life to save ours, despite how ugly and brash we may be.
I'm not sure that there's been another time on earth when people have felt that they don't need Jesus Christ more than now. I could see any number of essays titled "Why the World Doesn't Need Jesus Christ", and people affirming that they can and will be okay on their own. In fact, I don't think the essays even need to be written; people show that they don't need Jesus in their words and actions. And yet through the rejection of the world, Jesus, like Superman, continues to reach out to us. He wants to help us. He doesn't give up on us, despite a long list of weaknesses and frailties on our part.
Sorry, Lois. Superman was right, and you are wrong. You will die from smoking cigarettes, and the world does need Superman.
Loved it!!
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