Friday, June 14, 2013

Superman, Man of Steel

I just started my 13th year of contributing to Hollywood Jesus. HJ has had an impact on me and with the help of greats like David Bruce, I have for years recognized my ability to find seeds of truth in film to plant in ones search for truth regarding spiritual matters. One of the first things I ever read at Hollywood Jesus was from David Bruce. While some point out the fallacies of certain films, like Superman, I have never abandoned my belief in David’s vision, of using film to find seeds of truth to plant in one’s mind regarding their own search for truth. Of course I am unapologetic as to what I believe that truth to be but I have always tried to be respectful, hoping that maybe, just maybe, there is something I will write that will cause one to think deeper about spiritual things and come to the same conclusions I have. For those who are critical of this approach, I am reminded of what the Bible says, “Jesus never taught them anything without first telling them stories. After he told them the stories he would gather together his disciples and explain their meaning.” Movies are a contemporary form of storytelling. This is why I fell in love with the approach used by David Bruce all those years ago.

One of the best examples of this I have seen is David’s review of Superman back in 1998. That review cab be seen at an archived page of the original Hollywood Jesus at: http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/superman.htm. With the viewing of Superman, Man of Steel, I found myself recalling that review. Most of the points David mentions in his original review, which turned heads, are still present in the new movie. There are a few points of interest I want to point out specifically related to Superman, Man of Steel, but before doing so, go back in time and see what David picked up on in his original review in 1998.

Many know the story of Superman but few have likely thought of the spiritual imagery throughout the story. A powerful being from another planet is sent to earth to take on human form to be raised as a human; he is seemingly all powerful and has an immense love for the human species. He has as some would point out a sacrificial love where he is willing to offer himself up for the salvation of all people. He is raised by Jonathan (Joseph) and Martha (Mary) (Again see David’s original review.) Kent. They are fully aware of his powers and origins but raise him with integrity and morals. As Clark grows up he recognizes some things his earthly parents don’t understand. He has an ongoing relationship with his father, now a spirit of sorts who keeps him informed and reminded of his purpose. Clark has a dark and deceitful enemy who would destroy all of humanity, even the son of his nemesis, Jorel, Kalel (Clark Kent’s original name) father. One of the things we see is the value Clark has for people of faith, including a pastor of a church where we see continual shots of either a cross or Jesus as a Shepherd in a conversation between the two. We also see times where Clark looks to the cross or a church for answers to questions he is facing. Clark has rugged experiences of working as a fisherman, a builder and other vocations, while rescuing people. We see a drastic change in his life after a scene that resembles a baptism; he offers himself up for the salvation of others, seemingly cast into the sea where he takes on the position of a crucified savior. He emerges with a new purpose to discover himself.

If Man of Steel is lacking in any area it is in character development.  What we do learn about the characters is largely via flashback sequences; as a result we lose the impact of seeing the characters develop. The special effects, sound and costuming is incredible. I saw the film in 3-D and recommend people not waste their money for 3-D as there just isn’t enough to justify the extra cost. 

While in many ways the story is lacking I suspect there will be those who appreciate the strong spiritual emphasis in the film as much as I did. In some ways this is more obvious than in past Superman films. There are times Henry Cavill looks more like Jesus than Clark Kent, beard and all. I suspect this was done with intent in presenting the savior of the world. Amy Adams does a good job as Lois Lane and Michael Shannon does a very nice job as General Zod. I especially liked Russell Crowe as Kalel’s (Clark Kent’s) Kriptonian father and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent. Diane Lane as Martha Kent has not gotten the press, but she was spectacular. The casting was near perfect and I would like to see Cavill back as Superman in other films, even a Justice League film. I would also like to see a little better story though. 

While Superman, Man of Steel is far from perfect, it is a near perfect character (Clark Kent/Superman) that can be used to point people towards the person of Jesus; the one many believe to be the real savior of the world. The associations and similarities may be far more intended than some would admit but for more on that point, see that 1998 review by David Bruce. 


I am giving a higher than expected score for this film which may surprise many, it is due to the enjoyment I had, despite the lack of story. On a scale of 1 – 10, for the number that kind of resembles an S for Superman, especially if doubled, I give an enjoyable, entertaining 8.

The following is a clip from ABC featuring the cast of Man of Steel speaking about the film.  To see it click on the trailer, if the trailer doesn't appear, click on the following link:


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

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Superman Man of Steel: Powerful Partnering with Wal-Mart

With Superman, Man of Steel we not only get a retelling of a classic comic book character, we get a powerful marketing campaign between the mighty DC Comics and the mightiest of box stores, Wal-Mart. What has transpired could be a new way for production companies to make money and partner with and create long going advertisement campaigns not just for their movie but the companies who partner with them. Who better to kick off this model than the partnering of Superman, arguably, the mightiest of all superheroes and Wal-Mart, the mightiest of all retail outlets? 

Wal-Mart purchased the rights to promote Superman Man of Steel, including hosting early premiere showings the night before the movies openings. Individuals purchased their tickets at the megastore prior to the showing on June 13. While tickets were reduced in price, there was also a small packet of materials including web site extras only available to those purchasing the tickets along with the souvenir ticket that came with it. The near capacity to sell out showings of the film along with a 15 minute special feature available only to those going on the opening Wal-Mart night were among the highlights. While there were some fans that were critical of the effort of Wal-Mart, they were, never the less still there, many dressed in their Superman garb. I found the criticism somewhat hypocritical, if not wanting to support Wal-Mart; they could have simply waited a few hours to see the film without the features that went with the Wal-Mart Promotion.

We have likely entered a new era of film promotions, if it produces the special features, (which this reviewer likes) I see a stroke of genius there. This also comes at a time when many theaters are lobbying to reduce the time of trailers shown in their theaters. I have never heard a consumer complain about too many trailers but anything to reduce time prior to a movie in order to sell more tickets, to more showings should be expected. Movie production companies are at a place where they have to look at alternative ways to promote their films to make more money. While this could be a solution to that problem, I see it as another problem in other ways. There are only a few companies that can provide the resources to make this happen. Many of them will be controversial to some of the consumers who want to support certain films. 

Unfortunately, in the scheme of things that are likely to come, consumers, including many Christians may be called to a place where they are tempted to compromise their faith and integrity. What if a company promoting a movie we want to see that has as a focus the power of the family also promotes products that causes damage to the family? What if that company is promoting principles and/or products that go against our belief system? That is likely the case even in this example with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has not been recognized as the friendliest company to small private business owners, there is a great deal of speculation and debate about the Wal-Mart effort take advantage of labor with reductions in benefits and hours. While one may or may not agree with this, there are many who do, for those individuals, they are once again tempted to give up their core beliefs about supporting an organization like Wal-Mart and now a more in your face approach that includes major sponsorship of a movie many have longed to see, especially children.


While there are no easy answers to this issue, it is clear, the efforts of major cooperation’s impacting our everyday life, outside of typical promotions of their products exists. Many will give in and see no problem with compromise doing this, some will see something positive, I will withhold judgment as it is too early to tell what the long lasting results of campaigns like this will be. Who knows, while we have had product placement in the past, we now have Superman, or at least the actor portraying him speaking the high praises of Wal-Mart. I have to wonder though, living in the great state of Kansas, the home of Clark Kent, would that same actor and all of those individuals promoting Wal-Mart in the special feature before the film, also speak out for and support those small local businesses who have been hurt by major companies like Wal-Mart.  I would hope that if growing up in a small Kansas town would have taught Clark Kent anything, it is the need to stand up not just for the big guy but also, the little guy who has been there all along from one generation to the next.  

To see part of the Wal-Mart Special Features Film click on the video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6TWwZ9azYw


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information



The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed