Rating:  -
I saw just the Richard Lester version and thought it was an excellently thought out film. Paris, France. Terrorists with a nuclear bomb. Before it goes off, Superman throws it into space, however its detonation breaks the Phantom Zone shield. and out pop three Kryptonian criminals originally locked up by Supe's dad. Doh!!
The film flies from there, explores relationships between Lois and Clark, between Zod and his fiends, and Lex Luthor attempting to get more "beach front property."
Special effects seem secondary to the plot and characters. We even see new powers such as a repulsor ray from the fingers and Superman's amnesia kiss, outlined in the first film.
Lois gets Supes to admit Clark Kent is Superman. What the heck??? See what develops.
Can't wait to see the Richard Donner version with more scenes and excellent filling out of the plot.
Recommend other Reeve books and films:
Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut
Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life
Somewhere in Time (Collector's Edition)
Rating:  -
i enjoyed the first superman but this one is a little better. as superman battles 3 villains from his planet it is a real treat. everyone must see it again.
Rating: -
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!
Rating:  -
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.
Rating: -
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.
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