Christopher Reeve Documentary Super/Man Earns Perfect Rating

The newly released documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story has soared to remarkable critical acclaim, achieving a perfect score from reviewers. This Warner Bros.-produced documentary, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, shines a light on the extraordinary life and legacy of Christopher Reeve, not only known for his iconic portrayal of Superman but also for his indomitable spirit and advocacy after a life-changing accident.

Super/Man debuted in select theaters as part of a special engagement through Fathom Events, screening on September 21 and 25, giving audiences a chance to witness an inspiring portrayal of Reeve’s journey. The film is a heartfelt exploration of Reeve’s life, focusing on his rise to Hollywood stardom and his subsequent transformation into a courageous advocate for spinal cord injury treatment and disability rights. Reeve’s legacy as an actor, activist, father, and husband is poignantly captured in this documentary, blending his personal and professional lives with a grace that has resonated deeply with both critics and audiences.

The logline for Super/Man highlights the major events that shaped Reeve’s life. It charts his ascent to fame through his portrayal of Superman in four Warner Bros. films from 1978 to 1987, while also acknowledging his work in other classics, such as Somewhere in Time (opposite Jane Seymour) and Street Smart (alongside Morgan Freeman). However, the documentary’s emotional core is rooted in the aftermath of a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this devastating injury, Reeve redefined what it means to be a hero by channeling his influence into advocacy for medical advancements in spinal cord injuries and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Warner Bros. ensures that Super/Man delves into Reeve’s personal life with unprecedented depth, offering audiences a rare and intimate glimpse of the man behind the Superman cape. The documentary includes never-before-seen home videos featuring Reeve, giving viewers a personal perspective on his life. Moreover, Super/Man features the first-ever extended interviews with Reeve’s three children, shedding light on their memories and experiences of their father. These candid moments add to the emotional gravity of the film, providing an insider’s view of Reeve as a father and family man, roles that were just as important to him as his on-screen heroics.

The documentary also includes insights from Reeve’s close friends and colleagues, many of whom share personal stories that highlight his resilience and generosity. Among these voices is archived footage of Reeve’s longtime friend and fellow actor, the late Robin Williams. Williams and Reeve shared a profound friendship, one that began during their time together at Juilliard and continued throughout Reeve’s life. Their bond, filled with humor and loyalty, plays a significant role in the film, adding another layer of emotional richness to the narrative.

Christopher Reeve passed away on October 10, 2004, at the age of 52. His death marked the end of a remarkable life characterized by both stunning achievements and immense challenges. Tragically, his widow, Dana Reeve, followed him less than two years later, passing away on March 6, 2006, at the age of 44. Their love story, marked by Dana’s unwavering support after Christopher’s accident, is yet another testament to the strength of the Reeve family and is poignantly reflected in the documentary.

Since its release, Super/Man has received universal praise from critics. As of Thursday, the documentary holds a perfect 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 23 reviews. The Critics’ Consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reflects the widespread admiration for the film, describing it as “an affectionate retrospective on Christopher Reeve’s bravery and heroism in his own personal life. Super/Man takes to the skies in inspirational uplift.” This glowing praise emphasizes the emotional depth and motivational power of the documentary.

Individual critics have also offered high praise for Super/Man. Time Out’s Ed Gibbs commends the film for its portrayal of Reeve as a “fallible family guy,” emphasizing his humanity beyond his role as the Man of Steel. Gibbs writes, “What the film does exceptionally well, above all else, is to portray the Man of Steel as an immensely gifted and passionate actor, activist, father, and husband, who wanted to do the right thing, and ultimately did.” His review highlights one of the film’s key strengths—its ability to present Reeve as a fully realized individual with struggles, triumphs, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world.

The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney echoes this sentiment, calling Super/Man “a powerful story of human endurance.” Rooney’s review touches on the documentary’s broader themes of resilience and perseverance, noting how Reeve’s life serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman similarly praises the film, calling it a “moving, wrenching, compellingly well-made documentary” that effectively captures both the triumphs and tragedies of Reeve’s life. He points out that while the film inevitably focuses on Reeve’s accident and its aftermath, it never loses sight of the optimism and determination that defined Reeve’s later years.

Awards Daily critic Mark Johnson summarizes the film beautifully, stating, “The film grapples with the question: What defines a hero? For Reeve, it was someone who found strength to persevere despite overwhelming obstacles. To me, it was simply Christopher Reeve.” This sentiment encapsulates the film’s core message—Reeve was not just a cinematic superhero, but a real-life hero whose courage in the face of adversity inspired millions.

As audiences prepare to experience Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, it is clear that this documentary has succeeded in celebrating Reeve’s legacy in both Hollywood and the world at large. Through his work as an actor and an activist, Christopher Reeve’s influence continues to resonate, and Super/Man stands as a fitting tribute to a man who embodied heroism both on and off the screen. Fans of Reeve and newcomers alike will find inspiration in this moving documentary, which will play in theaters nationwide on September 21 and 25, 2024, through Fathom Events.