REVIEW: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story‘ is a documentary which initially was only set for release at this years Sundance Festival, however after such a positive response and backing from Warner Brothers, it now has a worldwide theatrical release. I had the pleasure of seeing it and I was blown away, here is my review.

Both Directors, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui and Writer, Otto Burnham, have done an incredible job of bringing to life the emotion, inspiration and legacy of Christopher Reeve. This is a story that many of us know, but this celebration of his life really taught me so much about him, his family and the people that he helped with his charity foundation. There was a lot that I didn’t know in this documentary, which as a huge Superman and Christopher Reeve fan, I was quite surprised at.

I cried at the trailer itself, so going into this, I knew it was going to be an emotional one and the thing that got me the most wasn’t his accident, or his death, we already know that story. It was seeing how it affected his children, Matthew, Alexandra and Will and seeing how it influenced them and how it happened from their own perspectives. What I will say about this documentary is the fact that they are so open, so willing to tell their story despite the emotions they may be feeling and how hard it was for them. They are a true inspiration and credit to their father and Dana, they would both be so proud of them.

The score by Ilan Eshkeri really honed in on the emotion throughout and the use of it was expertly done. The way that the directors told the story in ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ was excellent too, it wasn’t chronological, but instead flicked between key moments that were driven by the interview narrative, which was very cleverly done. Another thing I loved about this film was the fact that it made me cry, but it also made me laugh, a lot. When I left the room I had a new outlook on my life and how grateful I am for my own family and just life itself. Even after watching it, I felt a somber feeling, like I had attended a funeral and really celebrated someone’s life, when I got home later that day I hugged my son a little tighter because of it. What I’m trying to say here is that the film stayed with me in a positive way after watching it and that is rare.

(10/10) Whilst I am not in a hurry to see this film again (my mascara can’t handle it…), ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ is a beautiful, powerful, yet emotional telling of the life, legacy and family of Christopher Reeve. I urge anyone to watch this, whether a Superman fan or not. I promise you, you will leave teary eyed, but inspired and grateful.