Why the World Needs Superman

*Note: On the height of the Superman Returns Movie craze, I wrote a movie review about it that I submitted as an entry to Literati at fabuloush.com. And although that fabuloush and Circuit Asia Philippines no longer operates here, I thought of posting one of my winning articles here in my blog. So here it is. Hope you like it.

How can one stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times when family can be strangers, beauty is superficial and wealth is man's best friend? In this day and age, it seems like only Superman can help save the world.

Thanks to director Bryan Singer, the Man of Steel, after a long visit to the lost remains of the planet Krypton, returns to earth to become the people's savior once again. I saw Superman Returns with my brother 3 days after its release. Regrettably, work schedule and unexpected conference calls prevented me from watching its premier night. My entire two and a half hours inside the theater was spent answering my brother's questions about certain scenes that he didn't quite understand.

My brother is a freshman engineering student at De La Salle. And although he grew up as a smart kid, he was never fascinated in reading DC comics. Or simply, he was never fascinated in reading at all.

In the lead up to the final scene, Lois Lane sits in front of her computer, at a loss for words as she attempts to write the exact opposite of her Pulitzer Prize winning editorial, titled "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." I still stand firm that Superman Returns lacks heart.

However, the last ten minutes of the film perfectly encapsulates all that is amazing, heart-warning and fabuloushly touching about having Superman in our world.

But do we really need superman?

Maybe.

Maybe the world needs Superman for hope and inspiration. Maybe the world needs Superman for his dedication, heroism, decency and innocence. Maybe the world needs Superman for his bravery and boldness.

But while superman symbolizes justice, truth and freedom, the world needs more than a good-looking man in a tight fitting suit. We need ordinary people willing to do extraordinary deeds without asking anything in return.

We need people who have lived their lives in quiet heroism, love, accomplishment, and sacrifice to make the world a better place. We need people who do "what they need to do" one day, week, month and year at a time.

As the movie credits are being shown on the screen, my brother placed his arms on my shoulder and jokingly said, "I don't need Superman. I just need you kuya. Thanks for the movie treat."

Heroes, according to scholars, have something special that sets them apart from others in their field. Heroes can be peacekeepers, freedom fighters, earth watchers, special writers or ingenious artists. But in some rare occasions, heroes are disguised as brothers trying to enlighten a young inquisitive mind with a free movie pass, popcorn and iced tea.

I give 8 stars for the movie on its own merits. but a perfect ten for making me a hero to my brother and the absolute feeling of happiness I felt as we headed home from the theatre.