Peter Martin continues his 8-day article
Part One HERE – Part Two HERE – Part Three HERE – Part Four HERE – Part Five HERE – Part Six 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.
2. Superman
Unlike many superheroes, Clark Kent was born with superhuman abilities and has always known he’s different than the other kids in Kansas. His human father Jonathan (Glenn Ford) has told Clark that he shouldn’t “show off” in front of people. In a lovely scene at the family farm, Jonathan explains that he and his wife Martha were afraid that they might lose their adopted son if anyone found out about his powers. Jonathan then tells young Clark of his conviction that Clark came to earth for a reason. Granted, Jonathan isn’t exactly sure what that reason is — except it’s not to score touchdowns! But the lesson he imparts, that Clark is on earth for a reason, powers Clark on a lifetime journey of self-knowledge.
Check in tomorrow to see who’s LAST!
