MOVIE REVIEW: SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY (PG-13)

Pound for pound, I don’t know that there will be a more emotionally resonant film in 2024 than “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” I first saw this moving documentary back in January at the Sundance Film Festival, and quite frankly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

Of course, I’ve always been a fan of Christopher Reeve and in fact, I will always maintain that his casting as Superman remains the superhero casting coup to which all others will forever be measured. As the man of steel, Reeve did so much more than make audiences truly believe a man could fly. He also made us believe that Superman and Clark Kent were actually two different people and I always felt like that was the true key to the overall effectiveness of “Superman” as a movie. Perhaps even more than the spectacular special effects, the incredible production design, John Williams’s unforgettable score, and the hit film’s much talked about reverence to the source material. That said, “Superman” is pure fantasy. This stellar documentary by comparison is real in every sense of the word. 

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” traces Reeve’s career from his humble beginnings as a classically trained actor to his hitting the big time after being handpicked by director Richard Donner to play the world’s most famous superhero. Following his legendary turn as the man of steel, Reeve would appear in several other noteworthy films including “Deathtrap,” “The Remains of the Day,” “Noises Off,” “Somewhere in Time,” and “Street Smart,” just to name a few but ultimately, his life would forever be altered following a tragic equestrian accident that would leave him permanently paralyzed.

As directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedugi, “Super/Man” is inspirational and moving in all of the ways you’d expect, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Reeve’s highs and lows. Included; A strained relationship between he and his father as well as thoughts of suicide following a horrific accident that very well could have taken his life. Beyond that, “Super/Man” is punctuated by rare behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews with the likes of Reeve himself as well as his loving wife, his adoring children, and many of his lifelong industry friends (i.e. Susan Sarandon, the aforementioned Donner, and a compassionate Robin Williams.)

As was the case with last year’s stellar Michael J. Fox documentary, “Still,” “Super/Man” emerges as so much more than a tribute to a world-famous actor. This is a movie filled with real pathos. It’s a story of courage and resiliency to be sure. In short, it’s a multifaceted look at a real-life superman and how, in many ways, Reeve was able to take a horrific negative and turn it into a monumental positive.

Some might argue that “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is an easy sell given the subject matter but believe me when I tell you, that makes this documentary no less powerful. This is moving stuff and by the time it comes to a close, you really will believe a man can fly. On a final note, you’d be well-advised to take a box of Kleenex with you because you’re going to need it.

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” will receive a limited theatrical run on September 21st and 25th, courtesy of Warner Brothers and Fathom Events. You can expect a streaming service debut shortly thereafter. 

Actress Nivetha Thomas’ latest movie, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu, hit theaters today. Read our review to see how the film holds up and whether it’s worth watching.

Story:

Set in the scenic town of Tirupathi, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu tells the story of Saraswathi (Nivetha Thomas), a happy middle-class woman who lives peacefully with her husband, Satya Prasad (Vishwadev Rachakonda), and their two sons, Arun (Arundev Pothula) and Varun (Abhay Shankar). However, their peace is disturbed when Arun starts having trouble with mathematics. He asks unusual questions about the subject, and his strict Maths teacher, Chanakya Varma (Priyadarshi), judges students based only on their grades. Upset by Arun’s poor performance, Chanakya calls him “zero,” which worries his parents. Saraswathi decides to help her son improve his math skills. Will she succeed? What is Arun really thinking? And does Chanakya end up helping Arun? The film answers these questions.

Plus Points:

In today’s world, it’s rare to find a movie that the entire family can enjoy together. 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu is one such film – it is clean, family-friendly, and doesn’t rely on cuss words or love tracks to tell its story. It’s a film that can be watched by people of all ages without discomfort.

The performances are top-notch. Nivetha Thomas shines as Saraswathi, with her heartfelt expressions and emotions. She once again proves that she is a nice performer.

Arundev Pothula, who plays Arun, also does a wonderful job, bringing depth to his character. Vishwadev Rachakonda, in the role of the father, delivers a solid performance as well.

Priyadarshi’s portrayal of the strict teacher Chanakya is also memorable and adds a lot to the film. The supporting cast plays their roles well, staying true to the story.

The comedy scenes involving Arun and other students are entertaining. The dialogues are thoughtful and add meaning to the film. Vivek Sagar’s music is another highlight. The background score blends beautifully with the story, and the songs fit well into the scenes without feeling forced.

Minus Points:

One downside is that the promotional campaigns revealed much of the plot beforehand, leaving little suspense. The story is simple, focusing on how students are often judged based on their grades and how important it is for parents to support their children in shaping a bright future. While the message is relevant, the film lacks the emotional highs or twists that could keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film feels slow in both halves. While it’s not boring, it could have been more engaging with a faster pace. The character of Gautami had potential for more screen time, which could have added depth to the story. Additionally, the emotional bond between Saraswathi and Arun could have been explored further to add more drama.

Technical Aspects:

Nanda Kishore Emani, as both writer and director, does a commendable job, though he could have made the narration more engaging. If he continues to choose meaningful scripts, he has a promising future in the Telugu film industry.

Niketh Bommi Reddy’s cinematography brings vibrant visuals to the screen, making the film a treat to watch. Vivek Sagar’s music elevates several scenes, and the background score and songs enhance the overall feel of the film.

The editing is decent, though a few more cuts could have improved the pacing. The production values are good, giving the film a polished look.

Verdict:

On the whole, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu is a feel-good family drama that parents and children should watch together. The performances by Nivetha Thomas, Arundev Pothula, and Priyadarshi, and the music by Vivek Sagar are the film’s strengths. On the flip side, the movie feels slow at places, and the emotional depth could have been improved. However, it still manages to deliver a nice message about the importance of parental support in a child’s education. If you’re looking for a clean, heartwarming family drama, this movie is worth watching. Don’t miss out – book your tickets and enjoy a film that will leave you with a smile.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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