DVD : Superman II

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Rarely do sequels surpass the original, this one does!
I thought Superman I was a terrific movie. I hesitated to go to the sequel because rarely do sequels match up to the original. This is one where the sequel was better than the original.

From the terrific beginning where Superman rescues Lois Lane and the city of Paris from terrorists to the epic battle between Superman and the three villians in Metropolis which then continues to Supermans Fortress of Solitude, Superman II is nonstop action.

Superman giving up his powers to marry Lois Lane and the romantic scenes in the Fortress of Solitude were a nice touch. Lois Lane tempting Clark Kent to reveal his identity as Superman by jumping off Niagra Falls was hilarious as Kent acts so clumbsy, rescues Lane without revealing his identity (yet).

The prisoners whistling Mozart's tune as Superman returns his nemisis Lex Luther back to prison was equally funny. To appreciate this, you have to see the movie.

Superman I was a fantastic movie but Superman II was even better. If you are a suyperhero fan, then I highly recommend both.

Rating:

- Superman vs Zod and Pat Benatar
This is a great flick where Superman must fight three evil beings from his former home planet. The fight in New York and Superman's hideaway are entertaining and exciting for the whole family. Gene Hackman though as Lex Luthor steals the show. He's hilarious as he battles and makes alliances with both Superman and Zod. He's great. Of course the rest of the gang, Lois, Jimmy, and the Chief are back for this sequel that does not disappoint.

Rating:

- The best of the superman movies
In most ways I think this is the best of the Superman films. Gene Hackman was fine as Lex Luthor in the first film, but here he really gets to step out. His breaking out of prison and repartee with the villains and Superman are just great. (Think about his remark about using a door when the villains smash through the doors and walls of the Daily Planet.)

The villains are all suitably cartoon evil with Terence Stamp as the Evil Leader General Zod, Sarah Douglass is the alluring Ursa, and Jack O'Halloran as the comic, strong, and silent Non.

Christopher Reeve continues his embodiment of the Man of Steel - even when the plot twists because of his love for Lois Lane. The first scene at that diner is actually touching and the final scene there is a crowd pleaser. Margot Kidder does her best work here as someone moonstruck for Superman but also unstoppable as a reporter digging for facts even when it will not be in her interest after she finds them.

And the delightful Valerie Perrine does a great comic turn as Eve Teschmacher. I always enjoy her work in movies, on TV, in drama or in comic roles (as here). She should get more work - she has a lot to offer as a mature actress.

Good family fare and interesting to return to 20+ years later to remember who was in this movie and see the good performances that are actually here making this cartoon fare more than you expected.

Rating:

- Great film, rubbish DVD
This is one of the best of the Superman films. In fact, I'd put it on a par with the original. Superman faces the twin conflicts of his love interest with Lois, and a trio of super-crooks who have escaped Krypton and are released from their prison by Earthly weapons. It is therefore unfortunate that this DVD has been put out without care or interest. Not only is the picture untidy, but I now have two versions of this DVD, and neither work properly. In both cases, the screen kept freezing and jumping several minutes. I then get an error message saying the DVD player can't read the DVD. Do yourself a favour a buy this on cassette.

Rating:

- This sequel Soars!!!
This is the film that proved that sequels can surpass the orignal. Both embellishing upon the magic of the original film and simultaneously moving the plot forward with a unique and brilliantly scripted story, "Superman II" deserves all of the acclaim that accompanied it. The plot: the three Kryptonian villains seen in the prolouge of the first film are released from their imprisonment in the Phantom Zone when Superman tosses a hydrogen bomb into outer space. They arrive on Earth,and their leader- General Zod (an outstanding Terrence Stamp, giving the performance that he is best remembered for today) makes it clear that he now rules the planet. Then Zod discovers that this fabled "Superman" he keeps hearing about is none other than the son of his hated nemesis Jor-El ( a bit of info given by Lex Luthor, once again played to perfection by Gene Hackman), and the battle to save humankind is underway. Along the way, we are treated to a magnificently handled subplot detailing the evolving romance between Superman and Lois Lane (In fact, I thought Margot Kidder was at her best here..usually she annoys me, but in this film she shows a sensitive side that makes it very easy to understand why the Man of Steel has fallen in love with her). Sporting top of the line visuals (the battle in Metropolis is breathtaking , even by today's standards ) , excellent writing and masterful direction by Richard Donner (yes, I know, Richard Lester is credited as director, but word is that Donner had pretty much finished most of the shooting on this picture before his dispute with Warner Bros. caused him to quit. Think I'm wrong? Compare this to "Superman III" , which was directed entirely by Lester), "Superman II" is the crown jewel in this franchise. The only other movie I've ever seen that comes close to adapting a superhero to the screen with such finesse (beyond the original "Superman", I mean) is the recent epic "Spider-Man". If you havent seen this, rent the dvd at once. If you have, then see it again. A masterwork!!!

page 13 of 36