Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving, inspiring documentary about stardom and disability.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
What's the Story?
In SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY, documentary filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui tell the story of actor Christopher Reeve, who was just 24 when he was cast as Superman and found worldwide fame. Reeve had attended Julliard, where he became lifelong friends with classmate Robin Williams and met his first romantic partner, Gae, with whom he had his first two children, Matthew and Alexandra. Reeve struggled with the increasingly low-quality Superman sequels and tried to find other parts that were as non-Superman as possible. He also met his wife, Dana, and had his third child, Will. They were happy, and Reeve frequently enjoyed his hobby, horseback riding. Then, on May 27, 1995, he fell off of his horse and landed on his head, an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. From there, Reeve made the transition from grief and self-pity to becoming a role model for those with disabilities—and a new kind of hero.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary doesn't have many juicy details, but it depicts Reeve's good nature and an inner strength that suggests he truly was a hero, both with and without a cape. Even though Reeve died in 2004, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story has enough footage and recordings of candid interviews that it's almost as if he's narrating the movie. There are also clips from the Superman movies (much less attention is paid to his non-Superman movies) and some terrific behind-the-scenes material. Interviews are mostly concentrated on Reeve's three children; his ex, Gae; and celebrity pals like Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels, and even former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The interviewees are warmly expressive, unafraid to share their experiences.
So even though the story is told in a traditional format, its open heart makes it a tremendously moving tale. It's inspiring to see Reeve's path to becoming an advocate for people with disabilities, and it powerfully conveys the depth of the friendship between Reeve and Robin Williams. Hollywood is often rife with tales of scoundrels and villains, but Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is the opposite: a celebration of the best of us.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story's depiction of compassion, courage, and perseverance. Why are those important character strengths?
How is communication demonstrated?
How does the movie portray people with disabilities? Why is positive representation important in the media?
Do you consider Christopher Reeve a role model? Why, or why not? Why do you think many people saw him as "Superman" in real life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 21, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 5, 2024
- Cast : Christopher Reeve , Glenn Close , Jeff Daniels , Whoopi Goldberg , Susan Sarandon
- Directors : Ian Bonhote , Peter Ettedgui
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language and thematic elements
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 21, 2025
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