A Step Toward Tomorrow

To tell you the truth, I have never seen the beginning of this movie. I caught it at the ending a while back and loved it. Then the other day I saw it (or rather just the ending) again. It was not listed in the television guide because it was aired as a tribute to Christopher Reeve, who died the day before, as he has a part in it. None the less, what I have seen is wonderful!

It is so heart warming. It makes you ball up in tears, and that is good for the eyes, the heart and soul of mankind!

This movie has got to be put on VHS or DVD! If not for the quality of heart touching movie that it is, then the other excuse might be because the tribute to Christopher Reeve.

This movie is about a single mother, who has two sons, one of them is in a wheelchair because of an accident which happened two years earlier. They all move to a new town, where they try to establish themselves, and tries to find a new doctor who maybe can help the boy, so that he can be healthy again and live without so much pain.

Judith Light is excellent as the mother, Anna Lerner, who tackles every situation with a good sense of humor, and seems to be a very good and loving mother, who just wants the best for her sons.

Tom Irwin plays Dr. David Decker, who does everything he possibly can to help the family, and....well, I won't reveal too much of the plot, but he certainly likes them all, and is very likeable himself.

Fans of Christopher Reeve and Brad Dourif (whom I am one of) will probably be a bit disappointed because they don't have much time in this movie, but they seem very believable and act great in the short time they do get on the screen.

-I couldn't avoid laughing when Dourif was introduced by the kid's as "Kirby, the gravedigger...people say he's insane and has buried 10 people alive!!"... because he almost always plays psycho-roles like that, but this one was quite different, and not at all mentally deranged (well, maybe a little bit, but in a good way).

Chistopher Reeve is Denny Gabrial, a man in a wheelchair (of course), who becomes very good friends with the little boy in the wheelchair. It is a very sympathetic role, and it is nice to see him make a comeback to the screen again, although his role is somewhat small and not really a part of the plot.

When all adds up, this is a movie who kids may like (because it shows the relationship between two brothers, and how hard it is to cope with the fact that ones brother is disabled, and so forth). Parents will probably also like it, because it shows how hard it can be to be a single parent, having a handicapped child, etc.

Even though I mostly watch action-movies, this one was good in another way, and I give this movie 7/10, because I felt good watching it, and had a good feeling after it ended, and also because I liked the cast.

"A Step Toward Tomorrow," directed by Deborah Reinisch, is a poignant and heartfelt drama that explores the transformative power of love, loss, and resilience. Released in 1996, the film follows the journey of Mike, a driven and ambitious businessman whose life is forever changed by a devastating accident.

At the center of the story is Mike, portrayed with depth and vulnerability by the late Christopher Reeve. Once a successful and confident entrepreneur, Mike's world is shattered when a tragic accident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Forced to confront his new reality, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, grappling with the physical and emotional challenges of his condition.

Reeve delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the complexities of Mike's character with empathy and authenticity. As he navigates the highs and lows of his rehabilitation process, viewers are drawn into his struggles and triumphs, rooting for his eventual acceptance and healing.

The film also explores the impact of Mike's accident on his relationships with those closest to him, including his wife, played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and his best friend, portrayed by Jeffrey Nordling. Through their interactions, "A Step Toward Tomorrow" delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the rehabilitation process and the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities. Through Mike's journey, viewers gain insight into the physical and emotional toll of paralysis, as well as the importance of perseverance and support in overcoming obstacles.

"A Step Toward Tomorrow" is also notable for its sensitive handling of sensitive themes, including disability and loss. Rather than succumbing to sentimentality, the film approaches these topics with honesty and dignity, offering a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals living with disabilities.

In conclusion, "A Step Toward Tomorrow" is a moving and thought-provoking film that resonates with themes of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. With its compelling performances, heartfelt storytelling, and powerful message of redemption, it is a timeless testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This is an exceptional movie. I usually am wary of Judith Light and her tearful performances. She is always crying in every film she makes. But here is one where you'd think the tears would be gushing. But they aren't. Either the director watched her carefully or she did this on her own. Where there could have been crying jags, there wasn't. As though she felt the focus should be on her children. Good for you, Judith. Both boys were well played. Beautifully played.

The moment for me was in seeing Christopher Reeve in the small role of a wheelchair bound man who helped the young boy understand he wasn't alone. This film was shown a day after Mr. Reeve's passing. So, to this viewer, it had much more profound depth in it's message. For surely, Mr. Reeve spent his lasting years in trying to bring attention to us all as to the needs to those stricken with this paralysis. It was bittersweet and very hard to watch at times. My heart goes out to the Reeve family in their loss. I applaud the message being told in this film and the courage Christopher Reeve lived to his final days.

Judith Light is wholly believable as a fiercely loving divorced mother trying desperately to find help for her younger son, paralyzed after a diving accident. James Welch Henderson Arkansas 4/12/21.