Director Bryan Singer is not shy at all about his film’s underlying message. “Superman is the Jesus Christ of superheroes, and “Superman Returns” is what happens when messiahs come back. To shy away from the symbolic aspects would be silly of me. They’re obviously there.” In fact, the allegories and comparisons to Christ have been deliberately developed, the underlying meaning highlighted. He returns unapologetically as savior to a desperate world, sent by his father Jor-El.
Faith-based resources and teaching materials are being developed as well by Motive Entertainment to equip Christian leaders to interpret the film’s message in their communities. Resources may be downloaded at www.infuzemag.com/supermanreturns .
In “Superman Returns,” the man of steel (Brandon Routh) deals with old enemy’s continued attempts to gain world power, while facing the heartbreaking fact of Lois Lane’s (Kate Bosworth) disinterest. Lois tries to play off her feelings for the superhero, saying angrily in one scene, “The world doesn’t need a savior, and neither do I!”
Superman’s reply sets the stage for his message: “You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.”
It doesn’t get much plainer than that, does it? Pick up the “Superman Returns” DVD at the Warner Brothers website to start discussions between friends and family. Or if you just want to enjoy a great movie.
