There is a danger of sugarcoating the past when looking back on a man’s life. Nostalgia makes idealists of us all. Thankfully, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story does not do that. It looks back on Christopher Reeve and his life, through the eyes of those who loved him and worked with him, for good and for ill.

The film talks about his triumphs and the good he did through the foundation that bares his name. It also talks about his missteps, such as his early efforts focusing more on treatment than improving the quality of life of those who suffered spinal injuries. To my mind, the fact that he made mistakes but was willing to admit to them and learn from them makes him all the more heroic.

A quick aside. Many have accused Christopher Reeve of only becoming involved in charity out of self-interest in curing his condition. This is quite simply untrue. The film does not harp upon this point, but it does address the accusation and show Reeve’s history of philanthropy long before his accident.

The movie looks at Reeve’s career, but is more about his relationships. The romance that led to two children. The friendship with Robin Williams that got them both through some bad times. And Dana, the woman he married, whose love helped him overcome the issues born of a troubled childhood.

I am not certain how well I can separate this movie from the childhood memories that Christopher Reeve’s image evokes in me. I can say that it moved me and I regret not taking a pack of Kleenex into the theater with me. I can also say that the movie inspired me, and ends on a hopeful note.

I can also say, trite as it may be, that while Superman was my hero as a boy, Christopher Reeve is my hero as an adult. He may have started out as an actor playing a superhero, but for what my money is worth he became a true hero.

Tragedy left him determined to do what he could to help as many as he could. And through the work of The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, he has helped many people restore their mobility and live full lives. To that end, I encourage you to see this movie and donate if you can, should you feel the least bit moved to make the world a little better yourself.