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.

300

Shot almost entirely indoors, the Zack Snyder’s film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel “300” brings memory of “Sin City”, the Quentin Tarantino (well, alongside Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez) film adaptation of the graphic novel of the same; hip and visually remarkable. Artistic in its noir-ish quality, it’s truly a visual feast for the eyes. Fighting scenes are superb making all other action/war movies look like girls’ catfights (now that’s sexist). Never has an epic war movie been this violent, brutal, enthralling and eye-popping.

Yes it lacks character depth yet that’s something not expected of a movie like this anyway. This testosterone-charged flick gets you off your seats in intense excitement. Kickass fighting, fighting and more fighting is what this movie is all about. Though it may offer not much story to tell, its spectacle deserves awe and appreciation.

Based on fictionalized history, this ballsy film accounts the glorious and tragic battles of the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas in the point of view of the Spartan soldier, Dilios, during the time Persian King Xerxes demands tribute and submission of all kingdoms. A Persian messenger heads to Sparta to relay the message. Outraged, Leonidas kicks the messenger down into the chasm alongside his men. Anticipating retaliation from Persia, Leonidas devices a battle plan he introduces to the priests who in turn consult the Oracle about it. The Oracle disapproves of the march against Persia but Leonidas dismisses this and prepares his men even without the council’s sanction. Thus marking the start of the many battles the nervy Spartans won mostly. Impressed by the Spartans’ victories by far, Xerxes approaches Leonidas personally promising affluence and power if only Leonidas will surrender. At home, Leonidas’ wife, Queen Gorgo, gathers support for Sparta to send reinforcements.

Violence here is massive in the stylized battles. Heads, limbs cut off, bodies pierced by spears and raining arrows and blood squirting immeasurably are all shown unrestrictedly and excessively as if it won’t be at the mercy of censorship.

Spartans here are depicted as the perfect warriors being very well-trained, fierce and fearless taught never to retreat or to surrender and dyed-in-the-wool to combat.

Growing up, Frank Miller first came across the Spartans when he saw the film “300 Spartans”. His subsequent research brought him to the clashes between Xerxes and the Greeks. His graphic novel “300” is mainly about the Battle of Thermopylae adorned with fictitious events and creatures/characters. The Persian King Xerxes is interestingly portrayed as an obscure individual with streamlined eye brows, longer nails, even wearing make-up different from what History books make us picture him.

The movie, more than just a battle, talks about sacrifice. Leonidas and his men are on a suicide mission. Knowing his 300 men can’t overthrow the Persian army, he still presses on knowing they will achieve something. Something that will soon unite and ignite the whole country.

The movie is also about giving the audience the chance to experience something different—the battles, the landscape, the feel. I don’t know how much of the film has been faithful to Miller’s “300” but the film looks handsome a compilation of meticulously accomplished images joined together to create a film.

Reminiscent of “Sin City,” this film with its excessive, never-before-seen, exquisite violence, aside from its noir-ish look, ear-breaching musical score and vainglorious, kick-ass turns of phrase, is a must-see. Daym yeah!