Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

This was a fantastic documentary. I was fortunate enough to see this in theaters when it was shown on Christopher Reeve's birthday.

I was a little kid when the Superman movies were huge, and I was a teenager when Mr. Reeve had his accident. I remember most of what was shown in the film, as it happened, but I had not thought of it in so much detail until watching this. The documentary does and incredible job of capturing the highs and the lows of all of the events that took place during those times and after.

I want to give kudos to a few things: 1) As the story is told, there is a digital statue that is occasionally displayed that resembles Mr. Reeve/Superman. This was incredibly well used, down to displaying "Kryptonite" on it in a very creative way, when he was injured. A truly unique way to display this, whoever came up with that idea, and the artists that executed it, are brilliant. 2) My God, this man's family and friends are made of something special. From his wife, to his children, to Robin Williams and his wife, to Mr. Reeve's Ex and beyond, all of them dealt with this in a way that I do not believe most people are capable of. Most of us could only hope and pray that our family and friends would be able to support us to this degree, if we found ourselves in such a terrible situation. 3) Dana Reeve was an incredible human being.

I highly recommend this documentary.

What a thoroughly fascinating journey this documentary portrayed of the late Christopher Reeve. Growing up and watching re-runs in the 90's of the Superman films I was really only aware of him for that and of course, I had heard about his terrible accident but I never knew anything else about him, I wasn't even sure how or when he died.

It was also interesting to learn that Robin Williams was a very close friend, if not, his closest. He was always cracking jokes and that was just who Robin was, but he kept Reeve in good spirits when it was needed. That's what you call a good friend.

The background of his family and 3 kids was touching and if you're a crier, get ready for the tissues towards the last 15 mins cause you're gonna need them. His legacy he left behind and work surrounding the paralysis and disability foundations is nothing short of phenomenal. Life can be so rewarding yet so cruel at the same time.

A very good documentary about a man, but not just any man, a Superman. RIP.

SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY (2024) **** Heartfelt and accommodating documentary on the life and legacy of Christopher Reeve, actor/familyman/advocate for the disabled focusing largely upon the nearly-fatal accident in which he became a quadriplegic, which not only strengthened his humanity but in fact defined it. Interspersed with family home videos and testimonials from both friends and colleagues as well as those who have benefited from his & his wife Dana's philanthropic efforts, the film balances the man as well as the myth (naturally playing Superman onscreen clearly iconicized him immortal and underlined the cruel fate of his destiny) filmmakers Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui prove that - to turn a phrase on his most famous film's tagline - You Will Believe A Man Can Try. One of the year's best films.

As a paraplegic of nearly 20 years, I knew this movie would be difficult at points, and it was...in all the very best ways. Though my paralysis is nowhere near as severe as Chris's, I could intimately relate to a lot of Chris's emotions as my past feelings and memories were brought to the surface. Trying to retain our sense of self - as well as our roles as a spouse, parent, sibling, and friend - and also continuing to be an active member of society is a difficult tightrope to navigate when our physical sense of being is irrevocably altered and we have to learn to accept this new normal. I could relate to much of Dana's perspective as a spouse as well; though I was not the caregiver in my marriage I experienced firsthand how it changes the marital dynamic. Many people living with disabilities don't have that kind of strength and devotion in their marriage like Chris and Dana did.

This film provides valuable insight into the life of individuals living with paralysis. If he as the most prominent figurehead of our community had these struggles, you can imagine how life can be for the average person rolling a similar path. Finally, having become paralyzed after Christopher Reeve, this film was a great reminder of all the ways my life would be different without his advocacy.

The film documents the rise, fall, and eventual re-rise of the actor's stellar career. Reeve's story is beautifully and lovingly told by those who were closest to him. Growing up in a broken home and without the support of his friends and colleagues, he became one of the best-known and most-loved screen personalities of the 1980s. The tale causes one to think about one's own life and fortunes, or lack thereof...Reeve had it all and lost it in a second, but through his stubborn perseverance was able to carve out a new niche for himself. Through it all, the love and support of his family stayed solid. Get ready for tears.