Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Christopher Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care.
This documentary about Christopher Reeve's remarkable life earns high marks for its narrative arc — a genuinely extraordinary true story moving from iconic stardom to devastating injury to inspiring activism. The plot structure is compelling and emotionally resonant, with the ending carrying particular power given Reeve's legacy and the bittersweet nature of his continued advocacy until his death. Acting scores are moderate as it is a documentary relying on archival footage and talking-head interviews rather than performed roles. Cinematography is competent but standard for the prestige documentary format. Novelty is above average — Reeve's story is singular and the film captures a genuinely one-of-a-kind life, though the documentary form itself follows established conventions for celebrity biography docs.