Peter Martin continues his 8-day article
Part One HERE – Part Two HERE – Part Three HERE – Part Four HERE – Part Five HERE
In anticipation of the upcoming release of Captain America: The First Avenger on July 22, we started to think about common themes that run through all superhero stories, including the ones that have been released this summer. And it seems to us that education is Priority #1. Superheroes must learn how to use their superpowers with extraordinary precision and control, or else they could do serious damage to themselves, to others, or even the entire planet. That applies even if they’re ordinary people who are gifted with extraordinary powers. So we’re counting down the top 8 moments when superheroes got schooled in the movies.
3. X-Men
Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) teaches young mutants in traditional classroom settings, yet their most effective schooling comes, not from what he says, but from what he does, so much so that it inspires others, even the intractable Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Wolverine may publicly resist Charles’ kindly attempts to educate him, but he recognizes that Charles has the best interests of others at heart, which moves him to tell Rogue (Anna Paquin): “He seems to genuinely want to help you. And that’s a rare thing, for people like us.” It’s absolutely the best thing he could say to Rogue at the most vulnerable moment in her life; she accepts the lesson, remains at the School for the Gifted, and continues to be schooled by Charles.
Check in tomorrow to see who’s next!
