Superman is Dead

I recently had a chance to see the Merchant/Ivory film The Remains of the Day again, and was pleased to see, among other things in that excellent film, Christopher Reeve. I can't have been alone upon seeing the Bryan Singer remake Superman Returns (yet another of those films that provoke in fans the invariable - and only - response, "Cool!") having the overpowering feeling that it should never have been made. Not only was Christopher Reeve the perfect Superman, he demonstrated with his courage and determination to live after the riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down that he was greater than any conceivable Superman. He both embodied the comic book character and proved what a silly and childish thing it is. Near the end of his life, Reeve was able to breathe on his own and even move his fingers. The Man of Steel, with all his powers, would've peed his little red shorts if he were confronted with such strength.