Watch Go Far: The Christopher Rush Story

Go Far: The Christopher Rush Story from 2015 is an inspiring and uplifting documentary film that follows the remarkable life of Christopher Rush, a man who was born with cerebral palsy but never let his disability define him. Directed by Zack Arnold and produced by Nadia Tavakoli, the film chronicles Christopher's journey from childhood to the present day, highlighting the challenges he faced, the dreams he pursued, and the incredible impact he had on people's lives.

The movie features a series of captivating interviews with Christopher's family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, including Mark Hamill, the legendary actor best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise. Hamill, who narrates the film, speaks passionately about Christopher's resilience, humor, and infectious spirit, which inspired him and countless others.

The film starts with Christopher's childhood in Detroit, where he was born in 1964. Despite his physical limitations, Christopher loved sports and wanted to be a baseball player when he grew up. However, he had to go through multiple surgeries and therapies to improve his condition, which often made him feel isolated and different from his peers. Nevertheless, Christopher had a loving family and a strong faith in God that sustained him through the hard times.

As Christopher entered his teen years, he discovered his love for writing, public speaking, and advocacy. He joined the speech and debate team in high school and excelled in the art of persuasion. He also became involved in disability rights activism, which led him to participate in national conferences and meet prominent figures such as President Jimmy Carter.

Christopher's talent and charisma caught the attention of many people, including Mark Hamill, who met him at an event in 1979. Hamill was impressed by Christopher's intelligence, humor, and determination, and they struck a friendship that lasted for decades. Hamill even helped Christopher get his first job as a Hollywood writer, and they worked together on several projects, including a television show about disability called "The World of Ability."

The movie captures many moments of Christopher's career, including his work as a motivational speaker, writer, comedian, and mentor. Christopher's speeches and writings are incredibly inspiring and insightful, as they challenge the audience to reframe their perception of disability and embrace diversity. Christopher also had a talent for making people laugh, and his humor was an essential part of his message. He often joked about his disability and made fun of himself, which disarmed his audience and opened their hearts.

The film also follows Christopher's personal life, including his relationships with his parents, siblings, and romantic partners. Christopher's family was a vital source of support for him, and they shared many moments of joy and sorrow together. Christopher also had a few romantic relationships, which the movie explores with sensitivity and honesty. Christopher's partners were people who respected his independence and saw him as a whole person, not just a disabled one.

One of the most poignant moments of the film is when Christopher reconnects with one of his childhood bullies, who apologizes to him for his past behavior and acknowledges the harm he caused. Christopher forgives him and embraces him, showing that healing and reconciliation are possible even in the most challenging situations.

Overall, Go Far: The Christopher Rush Story from 2015 is a moving and unforgettable tribute to a man who defied stereotypes and touched many lives. Through the skillful direction of Zack Arnold, the film captures the essence of Christopher's character, combining interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to create a vivid portrait of his journey. Mark Hamill's narration adds an extra layer of warmth and insight, conveying his admiration and respect for Christopher's legacy. The movie is not only a celebration of disability rights and advocacy but also a call to action for all of us to embrace our uniqueness and strive for our dreams.

Go Far: The Christopher Rush Story is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.1.