It has already been pointed out that we seem to have an endless appetite for movies about a part human/part supernatural hero who saves us and the world--i.e. the superhero as Christ figure (Mark Driscoll's blog covers this nicely). This is true about any superhero move, but I think there is something more going on in "The Avengers" in particular. I think the the reason this movie is doing so well at the box office is best encapsulated in one specific shot. You know the one I'm talking about: the centerpiece moment where all the heroes are standing in a circle while the bad guys swarm around and they each in turn perform their version of cocking their weapon (You can see it at the 1:59 mark in the trailer below). It's a fantastic moment. Even though it feels a little too staged, you can't help but smile. What's going on there? What are we responding to?
You could say that it's nothing more than awesome characters looking cool. That may be true, but the movie is filled with heroes battling and saving people in thrilling individual exploits. Part of the appeal could be that we always like people fighting for a righteous cause. But I think the big thing that makes this particular moment special is its togetherness; it's a snapshot of a group of individual characters working together and bringing their unique talents to the fight. In our own world that is under the constant attack of Sin, Christians are called to do the exact same thing: use our unique gifts and and work together to fight for what is good. This is what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 12 when he compares the Church to the human body with all its specialized parts.
In the same way that not even the Hulk can wield Thor's hammer, no one can bring your particular gifts into your specific spheres of influence. There's something beautiful in that, and we like when we see examples of it because it reminds us of who we are. Unfortunately, in our story this "fight" usually manifests itself in subtle and messy places like ongoing relationships and mundane day-to-day opportunities to love and serve others. I think we sometimes long for the simplicity of a good fist fight.
So yes, as Driscoll's article points out we are always looking for a mighty savior who will ultimately rescue us, but beyond that, the Avengers reminds us that through God's grace we have the privilege of joining in that fight for restoration.
