Christopher Reeve – Hope In Motion (2006/Hart Sharp DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Film: B
Many
years ago, I was shocked by a TV special that showed how persons paralyzed
could have some improved motion in their various limbs if they had computer
chip implants, but the U.S. Government did not want to fund any such
program. Fast forward a decade or two
later and now there is a biological alternative, but certain disturbing
political games are being played to stop progress so certain persons can rule
by fear, hate and misery. That is the
very thing that may have killed actor Christopher Reeve, featured in a new
documentary by his son Matthew Christopher
Reeve – Hope In Motion (2006).
The
involving, bittersweet, amazing, sometimes painful and always powerful 102
minutes show Reeve dealing with his injury, the issues involved with it, the
terrible things he has to suffer made worse by help being so close yet so
far. He died after this was made and it
stands as a testament to his resilience, all the way to testifying in Congress
and doing what he can not to be a victim.
Many
opposition interests spoke of how stem cell research was just “experimental” or
“immoral” and we heard the especially classic “unproven” which is obvious since
research was being purposely sabotaged and stopped for the sake of Rollback
politics that try to substitute progressive science for dogma and
ignorance. There is also the abuse
argument, which has some validity, but is not specific enough to argue against
this new progress. The propaganda
against helping people like Reeve even reached a silly peak of outrageous
idiocy when the machine against it talked about “why do we even need research?”
which should have been a red alert to most people if they cared or were paying
attention.
Reeve
bravely lived the rest of his life with dignity, courage and with surprise
progress before the worst caught up with him.
When the U.S. decides to get back to being the U.S. in the science
field, we will see just how much he unnecessarily suffered.
The
letterboxed 2.35 X 1 image has some weak detail and color issues, but this was
taped on semi-professional equipment at best and has the kind of flaws that and
documentary making naturally offer. The
Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo at best, but is just fine under the
circumstances. Extras include four
separate interview pieces split in half between Chris & Brooke Ellison, Jim
McLaren & Jesse Billauer and more on the Christopher & Dana Reeve
Paralysis Resource Center.
- Nicholas Sheffo
