MOVIE REVIEW: SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY (PG-13)
Pound for pound, I don’t know that there will be a more emotionally resonant film in 2024 than “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” I first saw this moving documentary back in January at the Sundance Film Festival, and quite frankly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
Of course, I’ve always been a fan of Christopher Reeve and in fact, I will always maintain that his casting as Superman remains the superhero casting coup to which all others will forever be measured. As the man of steel, Reeve did so much more than make audiences truly believe a man could fly. He also made us believe that Superman and Clark Kent were actually two different people and I always felt like that was the true key to the overall effectiveness of “Superman” as a movie. Perhaps even more than the spectacular special effects, the incredible production design, John Williams’s unforgettable score, and the hit film’s much talked about reverence to the source material. That said, “Superman” is pure fantasy. This stellar documentary by comparison is real in every sense of the word.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” traces Reeve’s career from his humble beginnings as a classically trained actor to his hitting the big time after being handpicked by director Richard Donner to play the world’s most famous superhero. Following his legendary turn as the man of steel, Reeve would appear in several other noteworthy films including “Deathtrap,” “The Remains of the Day,” “Noises Off,” “Somewhere in Time,” and “Street Smart,” just to name a few but ultimately, his life would forever be altered following a tragic equestrian accident that would leave him permanently paralyzed.
As directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedugi, “Super/Man” is inspirational and moving in all of the ways you’d expect, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Reeve’s highs and lows. Included; A strained relationship between he and his father as well as thoughts of suicide following a horrific accident that very well could have taken his life. Beyond that, “Super/Man” is punctuated by rare behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews with the likes of Reeve himself as well as his loving wife, his adoring children, and many of his lifelong industry friends (i.e. Susan Sarandon, the aforementioned Donner, and a compassionate Robin Williams.)
As was the case with last year’s stellar Michael J. Fox documentary, “Still,” “Super/Man” emerges as so much more than a tribute to a world-famous actor. This is a movie filled with real pathos. It’s a story of courage and resiliency to be sure. In short, it’s a multifaceted look at a real-life superman and how, in many ways, Reeve was able to take a horrific negative and turn it into a monumental positive.
Some might argue that “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is an easy sell given the subject matter but believe me when I tell you, that makes this documentary no less powerful. This is moving stuff and by the time it comes to a close, you really will believe a man can fly. On a final note, you’d be well-advised to take a box of Kleenex with you because you’re going to need it.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” will receive a limited theatrical run on September 21st and 25th, courtesy of Warner Brothers and Fathom Events. You can expect a streaming service debut shortly thereafter.
