First, Rocky came back from the dead, from poverty, from old age to remind us of what really matters in life. We didn't bother engaging each other about the implausibility of a fifty year old getting in the ring with a twenty something. We didn't want to. We wanted to believe in Rocky because he (even though is just a fictional character) represents more to us. He is inspiration; he is our comeback kid. He is hard work, determination and most of all humility. When we go to see him in the movie, we are not interested in reality; and I dare say we are not all that interested in being entertained. Additionally, it is probably true that we are not all that interested in feeling good. We want to be inspired. We need to be inspired.



It stands to reason that not too long after that Rambo came back to let us know that the world belongs to the American with the tough exterior but heart of gold: velvet and steel. We dismiss the rampant violence in the movie; because again, we want inspiration. We are able to leave the news about mortgage crises, jobs going overseas and rising racial tension. We are able to see a good guy win. Even if he is misunderstood, as all of us think we are at some level. Rambo is everyman. He is, unlike us at many points, clear on his mission. He walks with the certainty that we need to walk during difficult times.

Finally, have you noticed that Indiana Jones is coming back too? He rescued us from the wrath of God, from evil men who threatened the divine balance and even from poverty in India.

He reminds of the lines between good and evil. We never really leave his side and we are with him in spirit in his adventures and we want him to win. We expect him to win. He has come back just in time. Heck, if we can't have Jack Bauer for a whole calendar year; who to save us but Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones is back, and he is welcome.