Surprising Themes in Superman Returns

I don't want to do an all out review here. I just have to say that I really enjoyed the movie. Having bought the 2-Disk Special Edition and recently rewatched it, I'm motivated to share some of my thoughts about its powerful themes.

The story, the effects...it was a quality production. I know it didn't do that great ($400 million worldwide on a budget of around $240 million). Yet I read they plan to do a second one (they still made a profit).

Regarding the movie's themes, what I am so impressed and amazed by is the fact that the movie had some very powerful Christian themes. I know these weren't deliberate, but I know many reviewers noticed them. It is the fact that they weren't deliberate that makes them so fascinating.

Consider the scene where Superman tells Lois that even though she wrote that the world doesn't need Superman because the world doesn't need a saviour, he hears them calling out for one every day!

Amazing. In a world where everyone tends to live and think like they are just alright, and here is a movie admitting we need a saviour!

Then consider where Jor-El talks of sending his son, his only son to the earth because they have need of him. And the one being sent is good (sacrificing, desiring to help, doesn't lie, etc. -- though still not perfect from a biblical perspective, he is definitely far better that humans) and is very powerful. If that isn't a kind of picture of Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, God in the flesh, I don't know what is.

I know Superman isn't a true saviour, so I'm not offended by this imagery. I applaud it because it shows me the world realizes there is a true one. No?

Think about it. Think about the fact that such themes and images show up so clearly and powerfully in a movie for a world that would rather deny the existence of Jesus. All I put forth to those reading this the following key thought: Doesn't this make you wonder? Doesn't this make you wonder if you (all of us) really need a saviour, that we know it, and that we know--in the hearts--the One from whom to find it?

Things that make you go "Hmmm..." :-)