I believe to most, movies are underappreciated, as an art form.

Sure, they make billions of dollars, produce global celebrity and are a constant part of our news cycle…but I don’t think they’re really appreciated for all their complexities.

Movies put us in touch with thoughts and emotions that are often untouched.  They afford us an escape that can be almost meditative.  And they connect people across the world in a way that not much else can.

But what fascinates me is the artistry.  Whether a subtle, dialogue-centered drama, or a summer blockbuster superhero movie…the men and women who weave together a narrative that is full of characters, locations, consequences, dialogue and imagery, are true and impressive…artists.

I’m sure there are volumes of research on why we love to watch and why we love to escape, but today I’d like to focus on what I believe to be the apex of the art form: The Marvel Universe.

Perhaps I’m a bit biased, as I’m a father of two boys, but the Marvel films being produced (especially since 2008) have been nothing short of extraordinary.  The perfect blend of fantasy, technology, dialogue and inspiration.  In my humble opinion.

Yes, the Marvel Universe is a place I like to visit as often as I can.  Especially when there’s a new story being told.

In fact, I really think I’d rather live in the Marvel Universe.  Don’t believe me?

Consider these 5 Reasons I’d Rather Live In A Marvel Universe:  (ranked from slightly silly to significantly serious)

1. Space Magic.  I’ll just leave it there.

2. There is a legitimate chance that I could wind up with an Ironman suit.  I may not have been born a Norse God, or a fantastically gifted mutant…but I’m pretty sure Tony Stark could fit me with an XXL suit of bad-ass super armor.

3. There are real heroes to worship.  Forget movie stars, athletes, reality TV or Instagram celebrities…our children would have real men and women (and hulks) to look up to.  Heroes with human flaws, but the capacity to overcome universal adversities like the Mad Titan.

4. Women and Men are equals.  Yeah…no more gender pay gap here.  You can take that up with Captain Marvel.

And #5, the biggest reason I’d rather live in a Marvel Universe:

Because the human race would finally live to its potential.

Think about it…  Most of us become our finest selves under two circumstances: Inspiration or Desperation.

We are kinder, we are more courageous, we are more giving…when something inspires us, or when something bears down on us so hard that we become desperate.  Desperate for life, desperate for love, desperate for significance or to overcome a loss.

Living in a Marvel Universe would force us to face a desperate reality, every single day, that our existence is incredibly fragile.  There would be universal threats at all times, and that grim realization would make us appreciate one another…a whole lot more.

And as we walked together in gratitude, for the lives and friendships and loves that we’re afforded, here comes Captain America, to show us a final lesson.  That the purpose of life, is a life of purpose.

[ ⇒  Please consider joining my mailing list. ]