Watch Sunshine Superman

Sunshine Superman is a 2014 documentary film that tells the story of Carl Boenish, a pioneer in BASE jumping, and his wife Jean Boenish, who took their passion for skydiving to a whole new level. The film is directed by Marah Strauch and stars Carl Boenish, Pat Sajak, and Phil Donahue. Carl Boenish is often referred to as "the father of BASE jumping," a sport that involves jumping from a fixed object and using a parachute to land safely. Boenish was first introduced to skydiving in the 1960s and became obsessed with the sport. He quickly became an expert and began to experiment with different types of jumps, including BASE jumps.

BASE is an acronym for the four types of fixed objects that people jump from: Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth. BASE jumping is an incredibly dangerous sport and has resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. However, Boenish believed that with proper training and technique, BASE jumping could be done safely.

The film chronicles Boenish's life and his passion for skydiving and BASE jumping. It features interviews with Boenish himself, as well as his wife Jean and friends Pat Sajak and Phil Donahue. The interviews are interwoven with stunning footage of BASE jumps from around the world, including jumps off buildings and cliffs, and even a jump from the top of Yosemite's El Capitan.

Throughout the film, we see Boenish pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport of BASE jumping. He's constantly experimenting with new techniques and trying to perfect his jumps. He's also an advocate for the sport, believing that it can be done safely and responsibly with the right training and equipment.

However, the film also delves into the dangers of BASE jumping. Boenish's close friend and fellow BASE jumper Brian Schubert died during a jump in Norway. Boenish struggled with the guilt of Schubert's death, questioning whether or not he was partially responsible. This tragedy, along with the increasing number of fatalities in the sport, led to calls for the banning of BASE jumping in certain areas.

Despite the dangers, Boenish continues to pursue his passion for skydiving and BASE jumping. He even sets a new world record by jumping off Troll Wall in Norway, which at the time was the highest cliff in the world that had been jumped from. However, tragedy strikes again when Boenish dies during a jump in Norway in 1984.

Sunshine Superman is a gripping documentary that tells the story of one man's obsession with skydiving and BASE jumping. The film is beautifully shot and edited, with stunning footage of BASE jumps from around the world. The interviews with Boenish, his wife Jean, and friends Pat Sajak and Phil Donahue provide a personal touch and give insight into Boenish's personality and motivations.

The film does an excellent job of exploring the dangers of BASE jumping, without condemning the sport or Boenish himself. It's clear that Boenish loved what he did and believed in the sport's potential. However, the documentary also provides a sobering reminder of the risks involved in BASE jumping and the tragic consequences that can result.

Overall, Sunshine Superman is a fascinating and moving documentary that pays tribute to a true pioneer in the sport of skydiving and BASE jumping. It's a must-see for anyone interested in extreme sports or those who want to learn more about the life of Carl Boenish.

Sunshine Superman is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 70.