Superman Returns

Superman has been missing for five years. 

Lois Lane has moved on, living a storied life with a beau and son, as she enjoys the Pulitzer won for her article Why the World Doesn't Need Superman. But everything is about to change . . . for Lex Luthor has weaseled his way out of prison, into an inheritance, and has his sights on yet another evil scheme to remake the world to his liking. Only one person can stop him. And thankfully, Superman has returned.

This 2006 film was ostensibly the sequel to Superman II, ignoring Superman III and Superman IV because they deviated from the original two films. And this movie does a great job of capturing that original magic—the characterizations are spot on for Clark/Superman, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, and Lex. It was solidly done, with much better effects and a decent (if predictable) story line. The one thing I enjoyed the most was the following dialogue, as Superman challenges Lois' assertion that the world doesn't need a savior:

Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Lois Lane: Nothing.
Superman: I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.

Very true. Superman is an echo; a reminder of our inadequacy and need. The film's not all gold—there are some questionable things—but the main point is solid.

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 9: Bloom

Shortly after Superheavy . . .

Bloom is proving too much for James Gordon's Batman. And everyone else, too. Bruce Wayne has survived but has no memory of his former life (and no desire to return to it). But when all else fails, he may have no choice . . . 

This one was a mixed bag. Bloom is an interesting supervillain. Bruce Wayne's return was okay, even if that was predictable (and the means to bring it about far-fetched). Overall it feels this story arc is rollicking from one heavy event to the next, from Riddler to Joker to Bloom. The intensity remains high and I'm wondering where this is all going. 

Rating: B+

Andor: Season 2

After Andor Season 1 . . .

Cassian Andor ponders his role—if any—in the Rebellion, as he and Bix eke out a difficult existence.

Luthen Rael and his assistant, Kreya, continue their mysterious mission and dubious methods.

Senator Mon Mothma navigates a double life of prestige and covert support for those who resist the Emperor.

Dedra Meero, Imperial Security Bureau, closes in on Luthen while learning not is all as it seems in Palpatine's Empire.

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Here, the 12 episodes are divided into four three-episode 'pieces', each set a year after the former and counting down to the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars Episode IV)—the first three are set in BBY 4, the second three in BBY 3, and so on. And obviously, it sets the stage for Rogue One.

Season 2 started slowly. I wasn't a fan after the first episode or two . . . but wow did it end up blowing me away. Like the first season, this one is about sacrifice, but it packs a bigger punch this time around. You know how it ends for most of the characters . . . but the show draws you in with suspense and struggle (both internal to characters and between those on the same side). And they do a good job portraying both noble actions and annoying flaws in characters on both sides—you know who the good guys are, but they do some extreme things, making you feel the complexity and difficulty of the time. 

The storytelling, both within a given episode and between them, skims along the wavetops (like a Hemingway novel)—a lot goes unsaid, implied, in the shadows. The subtlety was brilliantly done and a refreshing change from the "hand-holding" a lot of modern television shows do. 

In short, it is an unusual but refreshing Star Wars offering, and one most welcome. Now to re-watch Rogue One.

Rating: A

Batman, Volume 8: Superheavy

Shortly after Joker's endgame . . . 

Batman is missing and presumed dead. Commissioner Gordon agrees to take up the mantle, operating within the existing city police structure rather than as a mercenary. As he learns the role, he squares off against the latest supervillain . . . Bloom has been preying on Gotham's underworld, giving people temporary surges of power that always end poorly. His goal is unclear, but his power is undeniable . . . and without the real Batman around, what hope does Gotham have?

This is an interesting twist to Batman's story . . . parts were rushed, but it was solid overall. Ending on a cliffhanger, I look forward to see where it goes.

Rating: A-

Hope for All the Earth (Mitchell Chase)

"The whole Old Testament is the story of Jesus Christ," but it can be hard to remember that when reading various parts. In this book, Mitchell Chase summarizes the Old Testament—from Creation to fall to Abraham to Egypt to Exodus to David to exile to return to prophetic silence—in just 86 pages. Along the way, he points out how Jesus fulfills (and has foreshadowing echoes in) these ancient texts.

In such a short book, you'd expect over-simplification, and there were occasionally spots that felt like important omissions. That said, I was impressed. It is a solid summary, it does point to Jesus, and I did learn a few things.

Rating: A

Batman, Volume 7: Endgame

The Joker is back, and he's not fooling around. Well, he is, but this time it's different. He is intent on a final showdown with Batman, and wants to see him fall for good. When the Clown Prince spreads gas over Gotham, turning even allies against Batman, Bruce realizes now is the time to pull no punches. But this time, even his best may not be enough . . .

This is a decent story told too quickly. There are cool plot points, and familiar storytelling boundaries are crossed, signaling that this is indeed different. But it's too rushed. Still, I am intrigued at what comes next.

Rating: B

Every Good Endeavor (Tim Keller)

How we work—in the context of our particular culture, time in history, vocation, and organization—is something we all need to be thinking through in our own communities. But the answers will all hang on this essential theology: the knowledge of who God is, his relation to man, his plan for the world, and how the good news (or gospel) of Christ turns our lives and the way we work upside down. - Tim Keller

In Every Good Endeavor, Tim Keller looks at this concept of work through a Biblical lens. ("There is no better starting point for a meaningful work life than a firm grasp of this balanced work and rest theology.") He breaks it down into three parts: 

• God's Plan for Work
• The design of work, its dignity, work as cultivation, and work as service
• Our Problems with Work
• work can become fruitless, pointless, selfish, and reveal our idols
• The Gospel and Work
• The Gospel gives us a new story, conception, compass, and power for work 

Work matters. It is good. "According to the Bible, we don’t merely need the money from work to survive; we need the work itself to survive and live fully human lives." "God gives us talents and gifts so we can do for one another what he wants to do for us and through us."

Work is impacted by the fall like everything else. In a fallen world, work can be pointless or fruitless. It can be selfish and reveal our idols. We can make it the main thing to the detriment of ourselves and families. "Work is not all there is to life. You will not have a meaningful life without work, but you cannot say that your work is the meaning of your life." 

The Gospel changes everything, enabling us to view work rightly. "Since we already have in Christ the things other people work for—salvation, self-worth, a good conscience, and peace—now we may work simply to love God and our neighbors." We can ask the question “How, with my existing abilities and opportunities, can I be of greatest service to other people, knowing what I do of God’s will and of human need?”

Keller talks about other (related) topics, too, like culture, worldview, and much more. Including common grace—it's important to remember that "Just as God equips Christians for building up the Body of Christ, so he also equips all people with talents and gifts for various kinds of work, for the purpose of building up the human community." So we shouldn't look down on the work of non-Christians; a sovereign God can (and does) use all people for His purposes.
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Ultimately, this book is a call to reflect on and wrestle with "who God is and how to relate to him," including in your work. In so doing, "our church will grow in humility, love, truth, grace, and justice; and that our neighbors in the city will flourish because we were here."

This is an amazing book; highly recommended. Don't go through your life working to live (or living to work). Having a right view will transform your attitude toward, and performance in, every endeavor.

Rating: A