SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVES STORY (2024)

SYNOPSIS: The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care - all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family. From the directors of McQueen, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, this film includes never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends. The film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Before people liked Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh and Dean Cain donned the infamous red undies, there was George Reeves and of course, Christopher Reeve (no relation to George). The latter will go on to play the memorable role of Clark Kent/Superman for four times on the big screen making Reeves as the most recognisable actor to play the comic superhero.

2024 marks the twentieth anniversary of Reeve’s death and Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story arrives just in time to tell audiences the real-life superhero antics behind Reeve.

For the uninitiated, Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator after suffering a fall from a horse in 1995. Prior to that, he was an active sportsman be it aviation, sailing and equestrianism. The man was also a licensed pilot. But at the age of 42, he was confined to a wheelchair with no hope of a full recovery.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story paints a powerful picture of Reeve as it alternates between the past and present. The documentary makes good use of his personal home videos and old footages as it shows the charm and wit of the beloved actor whether it’s snippets from his early broadway days or his first audition as Superman.

Directors Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui never shy away from showcasing Reeve as a man struggling to embody the part of a husband and father to his long-term partner and newly arrived children respectively. Part of the story briefly touches on Reeve's difficult childhood as he fails to establish much of an connection with his poet father and the complications of his step-families.

Reeve’s close circle of friends including the late Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon, Michael Manganiello, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels and Glenn Close also pay tributes to the late star. Notably, when past footages of Williams who has been a close friend of the superman star since their school days at Juilliard School shows up, it probably adds to the tear-jerking effect. Even Close mentioned that if Reeve was still alive, Williams might not have taken his life a decade after Reeve's death.

The documentary also shies the spotlight on Reeve’s passion to advocate for disability rights and spinal cord research with the help of his wife, Dana and friends. He became the face and spokesman for the fight in front of many others and congress despite his own disability. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation which helps to raise awareness and funds has since been continued by his children, Will, Matthew and Alexandra. The children themselves also make appearances in the documentary talking about their late dad. Adding on to the heartbreak, Dana who has been at Reeve side since the unfortunate incident passed away of lung cancer 18 months after Reeve.

Raw, emotional and tragic. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is more than a heart-wrenching story of the man who once had it all. It’s both inspiring and positive for the man who portrayed a comic superhero indeed led the life of man of steel in real-life. Watch this and we guarantee there won’t be a dry eye after the credits rolled.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee