Superman II (1981)

Director Richard Lester (A Hard Day's Night) took over the franchise with this first sequel in the series, though the film doesn't look much like his usual stylish work. (Superman III is far more Lesteresque.) Still, there is a lot to like about this movie, which finds Superman grappling with the conflict between his responsibilities as Earth's savior and his own needs of the heart. Choosing the latter, he gives up his powers to be with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), but the timing is awful: three renegades from his home planet, Krypton, are smashing up the White House, aided by the mocking Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). The film isn't nearly as ambitious as its predecessor, but the accent on relationships over special effects (not that there aren't plenty of them) is very satisfying. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

Different Enough To Please, But Still Same Old Supes!

After viewing "Superman: The Movie", it is difficult to believe that any sequel could top the story, effects, and just the overall aura of that masterful film. Well, Superman II is at least as good, and some would argue better, for two main reasons:

First, the special effects (many of them filmed at the same time as scenes from Superman I) are still incredible (at least by early 1980s standards). The action scenes, where as many as four beings are flying through the air simultaneously, are even more exciting than those from the first film. Also, the comedic and heroic tone of the first film remains intact for this effort (likely because parts of both were filmed together). Thus, Christopher Reeve is still the same old bumbling, stumbling Clark Kent but wholesomely heroic Superman, Lois Lane is just as rambunctious, and Lex Luthor is just as comically maniacal. In essence, it wasn't as if there was a big break in shooting and the actors had to rediscover their roles again...and that stability is very refreshing.

Of course, the second reason the film succeeds so well is that it introduces enough change to not become old hat. Instead of thwarting Luthor, Superman dukes it out with three Kryptonian baddies (led by the merciless General Zod). Instead of fooling Lois, Clark reveals his deepest secret to her (and, ultimately, puts the world in grave danger for doing so).

I have always felt that most sequels fail due to one of two (or maybe both!) issues: Either the film is too repetitive, or the actors can no longer fully regain the passion for the roles as they once had. However, with the combination of a fresh plot and the fact that both the first two Superman films were mostly filmed together, this film was able to avoid those traps.

So, if you were enthralled by Superman: The Movie, Superman II will not let you down in any way. The visuals are still stunning, the drama is still palpable, the humor is still funny, and I can guarantee that the closing scene will have you on your feet and cheering at your television! December 18, 2008

What would YOU give up to be with the one you love?

At remember as soon as I finished watching the first Superman movie, I was straight online to get the rest. I ended up buying Superman II, and Superman Returns, but adding Superman III & IV to my wishlist. Thank God I didn't buy the lot. Because that would have been a big mistake.

Before people start judging, I have not seen the Richard Donner cut of Superman II. Judging my some reviews, it sounds better, but there's also a lot of reviewers who say this version, directed by David Lester, is great.

Obviously we watched a different movie.

Superman II just did not live up to expectations for me. Granted, Marlon Brando was no longer in it, instead replacing him with Superman's mother in the scenes, after Brando had a little accident with suing them. Plus, whether it was just me, but the special effects were just not up to par with the first movie. Was it a rush job? Cos I swear I saw strings/wires at one point (and my Dad can confirm that he saw them too, so I know it's not my bad eyesight!), something which I'm normally oblivious to. Also, the back projection was shocking, the outlines were too harsh, and it just stood out so much, rather than being seamless.

I grew up watching Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman on TV, and am currently trying to relive my childhood by getting the DVDs. I have the first two seasons, and it took that long for Lois even begin to think that Clark was Superman, Superman was Clark etc. It took a film and a half for the Margot Kidder Lois to realise Clark was Superman. She then tries to prove it by throwing herself into a river, thinking Clark will don his Superman outfit, and dive in to save her. It's painstakingly obvious that no superhero worth his tights would give away his secret that easily, and instead Clark throws her a branch. The love story does come about a lot quicker in this (but I suppose anything's better than the will they/won't they story of Peter & Mary Jane), with Clark taking off his glasses (woohoo!) and revealing himself to be Superman. And then giving up his powers to be with Lois.

Only for the bad supervillians from the first film to reappear, take over Metropolis and have Lex Luthor offer to help them in their quest, if they give him Australia. Of course. But when there's a will, there's a way, and Superman will go on to defeat them, banish them, and be the overall conquering superhero. And be with Lois forever more? Aha.

It would be interesting to see the Richard Donner cut of this movie, but before writing this review, I deleted parts III & IV from my wishlist. We'll have to wait and see.

August 7, 2007

Fun to watch.

Superman 2 is a really good movie.Superman 2 has more action and is way more fun than the original.This version is good but the Donner Cut is way better. July 17, 2007

Superman II...THE BEST!!

I really got into this Superman movie when it came out 25 years ago. It has all the excitement, action and thrills fans have expected through these years. Wonderful performances by Christopher Reeve and Terence Stamp! This movie rocks!! May 6, 2007

Great sequel to Superman: The Movie!

The followup to "Superman: The Movie" keeps the fast paced action moving along as Jor-L struggles with his feelings for Lois Lane while three Kryptonian supervillains ravage the planet Earth only to meet up with none other than Lex Luthor: the greatest criminal mind of all time. I personally haven't read all the trivia about Richard Donner vs. Richard Lester, special Donner editions, Hollywood politics, etc. All I can tell you is that "Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II" are both awesome, they seem like they should be part of one larger movie but can easily pass as a babysitting double feature, and wow they are fun!! I need to check out the more deluxe packages (maybe even BUY them!) because these 2000/1 editions that I checked out from the library could use a little more in the special features department. I wanted to review them anyway, though . . . because they're SOOO GOOOOOD!!! April 18, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...