SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story

Sometimes it seems as if some people are bestowed with more gifts than one person should be allowed. It appeared that Christopher Reeve, the handsome movie star who rose to stardom as Superman on the big screen would fall into that category. Tragically, Reeve took a near fatal fall from his horse that left him a quadriplegic; dependent on machines, medical staff and loved ones to care for him to stay alive. Reeve's charmed life became one that nobody would envy. Nonetheless, watching the doc. SUPER/MAN is a sobering and uplifting experience that stirs us to appreciate what we have and empathize more with others. This is not a preachy or overly sentimental film. Rather, it's a thoughtful and honest look at Reeve's life from childhood, through stardom, his marriages/families, his accident in 1995 until his death in 2005. It doesn't sugarcoat his accident and its aftermath. Though not told in a linear fashion, we get a sense of knowing Reeves personally. We gain an admiration for his gusto for life, decency and dedication for family and friends. Reeves ended his relationship with the mother of his two older children shortly after his rise to celebrity. He takes ownership of their breakup. One of the takeaways is the strong bond Reeves maintains with all three of his children and the close relationship the siblings have with one another. Will Reeves, Christopher's son from his marriage to Dana, says, "There's no half siblings. We are siblings." The older brother moved in to help care for both Will and his father. The interviews from Reeve's celebrity friends, Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Whoopi, Susan Sarandon and others are noteworthy. Snippets from his career on film and stage are spread thinly throughout. It might've been interesting to delve more into his acting career that was eclipsed by his role as Superman. His love for the craft of acting was noted. When asked about working with Brando, Reeve said, "It's a shame when an actor just phones his part in." The close friendship between Reeve's and Robin William, best friends since their Juilliard days are heartwarming. Williams referred to Reeves as "my brother." Close said, "If Reeve's were still alive, no doubt Robin would still be here." This doc. is also a tribute to the love story between Reeve and his wife Dana who sadly passed less than a year after from lung cancer despite never having smoked. When Reeves was contemplating being left to die Dana told him, "If that's what you want, but you're still you and I love you." Most importantly, Reeve's courage is acknowledged along with the impact he made as a formidable advocate for the disabled. His first major public appearance in 1996 at the Oscars was groundbreaking. Reeve's superpower to improve lives by advancing research funding for spinal injuries and improving the quality of lives for others with disabilities will remain his legacy.