Review of 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story'

Many will be familiar with Christopher Reeve who played the roll of Superman in the first big film adaptation of a comic book superhero. People may also be familiar with the tragic horse riding accident that left him confined to a bed paralysed from the neck down. This film, however, dives into the story much deeper showing how the talented Reeve started on Broadway before landing his big break as the man of steel then the decline of the franchise but his continual zest for the thrill of life following by his accident that changed his life forever…not just physically but also in his relationship with his family. In his words he was forced to become an observer and in doing so the family grew much closer.

What is amazing to see are the smiles that are present in most of the home video footage in this film. Yes, most people will smile to their family when being filmed but as the years go on here the smiles are much more than mugging for the camera and seem to be genuine expressions of joy at being together as a family.

The film narrative alternates between pre-accident and post-accident using private and public video, the best of times and the worst of times, initially, but moving onto not only the amazing way the family came together to face the crisis but also talking about the tremendously positive work that Reeve and his family eventually undertook for the support of the disabled. Despite the failure of his first marriage, in many respects it seems his personal life was much better after his accident than before as the family came to understand the importance of their relationships with one another. The later stages of the film focuses on his death, then other later tragedies, and the legacy that his much-loved children now carry forward.

An amazing, touching, film that reveals the strength of a truly heroic man and his family. One of the themes here is what defines a hero for which a revised definition is provided: One who struggles against all the odds to achieve great things and I think it is fair to say that is true of Reeves.

The film does tend to feel a bit repetitive as it goes on with the final 15 minutes a flurry of tragedy and exposition which seems a bit like an afterthought. In all of this the filmmakers concentrate on the human side of the story but often seem to be more interested in showing the personal videos rather than progressing the story. Maybe this is the right approach as it allows us time to take it all in, better understanding the life of this amazing man and his family.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2025-01-12

Directed by: Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui

Studio: DC Studios

Year: 2024

Length: 104 minutes

Genre: Documentary

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27902121/