Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Rising to fame in the 70’s and early 80’s through his role as the all American heartthrob, Superman, Christopher Reeve became a household name as the leading man with dashing good looks, a splash of humor, chiseled physique, sharp mind, and of course a devilish grin. But, when a tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 would leave him paralyzed from the neck down, the man of steel’s world would take an abrupt turn. With his wife Dana at his side, Christopher and Dana would lead the charge for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights. Directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui this endearing and closer look at the inspiring tale of persistence in the face of adversity peels back the curtain on Reeve’s early life, his painful childhood and challenged early romantic life, to his close friends and ultimately the larger family and community that would support him until his death in 2004. Stocked with fascinating clips and footage from his early acting years to present day interviews with friends and family, the good that Christopher and Dana brought into the world in their later years is truly impressive; and, while the film is rather light on many of the specific advances that the Reeve’s were championing, the highlighted importance of their legacy is noteworthy none the less. Also disappointing is the rather brief conclusion to Dana’s life in 2006 from complications of lung cancer, the addendum like quality to her story feels incomplete despite her absolutely pivotal role in the Reeve family’s continued success. Regardless, the documentary sheds interesting light onto the man who became Superman and despite his own shortcomings and later physical challenges, endeared himself into our hearts as indeed a super man. Running one hour and forty four minutes, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is rated PG-13.