The news in several places that the recently released movie, The Avengers broke the $1 billion mark for ticket sales (see here, for example) left me wondering, Why? What is it about this movie that has knocked earlier blockbusters (such as the Harry Potter canon) off their pedestals? I mean, I love a good movie, and may even set things up so that I can see this once it’s released for viewing outside of theaters, but—really!—what makes this one so attractive?
I conjecture that it has something to do with the state of the nation (and, to be sure, the world), in that I can discern a growing feeling of lack of control—powerlessness—and a need for bona fide heroes to help guide us out of the various messes in which we now find ourselves.
If this is a valid assessment, what does it say about our individual abilities to affect our own lives and to effect change in the local and larger communities? Must we resort to unrealities, rather than deal with reality?
Questions: Where do you turn when things aren’t going your way? What outlet(s) do you access to discharge feelings of powerlessness, or even just perceived inadequacy? Does it help? How do you know if what you’re feeling is unique to you, or if it’s a larger phenomenon? Does that even matter?