Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 11+
Moving, inspiring documentary about stardom and disability.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a moving, inspiring documentary about the Superman star, whose spine was critically injured in a horse-riding accident in 1995, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. It's about turning adversity into advantage (and a way to help others), as well as the value of family, courage, and communication. Occasional bursts of strong language include three uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "a--hole," "idiot," and "God." There's footage and descriptions of a near-fatal accident, as well as fictional violence in movie clips and brief discussions of suicide and death. Sexual content includes kissing and a reference to a man making love to his wife, as well as talk about the temptations of being a famous, conventionally handsome man (i.e. women "throwing themselves" at him). Archival images show people drinking in nightclubs.
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Language
a lot
Three uses of "f--k," plus occasional use of "s--t," "a--hole," "idiot," "God."
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Violence & Scariness
a little
Footage and descriptions of a near-fatal accident. Brief moments of fictional violence in film clips. Brief discussion of suicide. Death is discussed.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
a little
Kissing. Reference to a man making love to his wife. Talk about the temptations of being a famous, conventionally handsome man (women "throwing themselves" at him), etc.
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Products & Purchases
very little
Tied closely to Reeve's role as Superman, which is part of the DC Universe.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
Archival images of social drinking.
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Positive Messages
a lot
The movie is about trying hard to overcome adversity and, when that's not possible, turning it into an advantage and trying to help others. It's also about the value of courage, compassion, family, communicating, and appreciating.
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Positive Role Models
a lot
Reeve was not only a role model for playing Superman—a symbol of goodness and heroism—but also in his real life for supporting others with disabilities, raising money and awareness, and generally being an example of someone who never gave up.
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Diverse Representations
some
Centers on people with disabilities—not only Reeve, but also noted disability activist Brooke Ellison. Women are shown to be pillars of strength, especially Reeve's wife, Dana, who worked tirelessly to support Christopher and help with the foundation. Most interviewees are White, but Black performer Whoopi Goldberg appears.
Did we miss something on diversity? .
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
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- Parents say (1)
- Kids say
age 16+
Based on 1 parent review
Katherine R. Parent of 12, 14, 18+, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
November 16, 2024
age 16+
See all 1 parent review
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 hold anything back.
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 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 directors, Female actors, Black actors, Bisexual actors
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Communication, Compassion, Courage, Perseverance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating : PG-13
- MPAA explanation : some strong language and thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 15, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
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