Matt Greene I'm convinced there's never been a more perfect superhero casting than Reeve as Superman. This sequel picks up tonally & narratively right where the first left off, only better capturing the childlike silliness yet warranted sincerity of the Superman mythos. Yes, the relationship arc between Clark & Lois is rushed, & the final fight is almost comically leisurely paced. But Niagara Falls is great, the moon is impressive, and the politics are wonderful.

brandon-tyler-328-43902 Where's all this criticism come from? So it's old, so it's dated, but who cares? Superman II is a splendid mix of romance, action, suspense and comedy. It was made in a time when they actually used practical effects and models because they didn't have the computerised technology they have these days. I was impressed with the wire work and the action sequences were an awesome spectacle to behold. Actors like Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman make their triumphant return to the series as does Ned Beaty, Terrance Stamp, Margot Kidder and the lovely Valerie Perrine. The score by Ken Thorne is never given the credit it deserves, neither does Richard Lester's fun, slapstick-filled direction. He simply did the job he was brought in to do. He's no Richard Donner, but the franchise was never bad with Lester at the helm. All in all, Superman II is a wonderful motion picture and a great companion piece to the original.

moviemattb Before I go into about the title that I put in my review, I want say about this first on how it all happen during the behind the scenes of the movie. While the first two "Superman" movies where being filmed simultaneously, Richard Donner and the Salkinds where having issues on set about going over schedule alongside with its budget as they were both going at each other's throat. So the Salkinds fired Donner after the first "Superman" movie being released and becoming a popular movie; they replace Donner with Richard Lester who was an uncredited producer on the first movie as he becomes the director for this sequel. Most of Donner's footage was scraped, and Marlon Brando was never included but replace by Susannah York who plays Superman's mother Lara from the first movie. Even the tone of the movie was changed into being campy with some little moments that are serious. Nevertheless, "Superman II" was released and became another popular movie. Does it have the same charm as the first one? Here it goes: the sequel is about General Zod and the other two Krptonians as they were prison in the Phantom Zone from the first movie are now free as they come to Earth to destroy humanity as well as Superman. Also, Lois Lane is trying to bet her life that Clark Kent is Superman. Lex Luthor escapes from prison, and the story goes on. In my opinion, "Superman II" really doesn't have the same charm as the first one because here is why: The tone of the movie is not balanced well enough as the majority of the movie is being taken over by its camp factor, while it has some little moments that are serious. For example, the scene were Clark Kent gets his beat up by a bully at the diner does not seem to fit for the film's tone; if its suppose to be there, then it would've made more sense if the Salkinds have not fired Donner for being kicked off the project. As for the humor, there were some parts that are funny, but mostly I find the humor to be dated. Heck, when I was watching, I see Zod making some reaction on those scenes where he just finds it ridiculous on the making this movie campy. Like where Non takes the siren off the police car, and Ursa going for an arm wrestle with a guy at the bar. You can tell that he doesn't seem to enjoy for having this movie being campy. Also, when Lester re-shot most of Donner's footage, Lois Lane's look is very much different than the way she looks from the first movie. There are some scenes where Lois looks like the way she looks from the first one, but only filmed by Donner; she doesn't look as glamorous as she is from the first movie. She sort of makes me think of Courtney Cox or something. I really don't think Lara seems to fit with the story of Superman losing his powers, because there wasn't that much of a connection between Superman and Lara as much as Superman had a connection with his father Jor-El which makes more sense than I what I'm seeing in Lester's cut. The special effects are good, but I find parts that are pretty much dated. The action in this movie was fun and all, but pretty much done in a traditional way like the first one. I do enjoy the relationship between Clark and Lois, but the last part of the movie where Clark kisses Lois by erasing her memory is like a whatever to me because I don't care if I like the memory erased kiss or turning time back in Donner's cut; it really doesn't matter to me at all. Lester's direction is fine, but it would've been better if Donner directed this movie if he wasn't fired. The acting is very well done for Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Terence Stamp. Stamp's performance is over the top, but really makes this character very memorable. Gene Hackman is good, but when Donner got fired, you can find some shots of him being replaced by a double as well as an impersonator for trying to sound like Hackman. Ken Thorne's music is okay, but I rather hear John Williams than Thorne. So, in my opinion, "Superman II" is enjoyable but not the same as first; its has moments that are good and moments that are bad. It is watchable and I have nothing to bragged about. So that is what I put the title in my review. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Noah hopfensperger I'm glad this movie is actually good, although I would have liked it if Richard Donner had stayed on for this. That's why Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is better than this. Positives: Christopher Reeve is Awesome, General Zod is a great villain, Terence Stamp nails it, and this movie has 3 PEOPLE TO FIGHT SUPERMAN. Negatives however: It's a teeny bit more campy, it's trying to be MORE like a comic book than the first one, and Richard Lester and the Salkinds Booted Donner off of the set. For the most part though, I like it. I'm gonna give Superman II a B. 7/10. 3.5/5, etc. If you loved the first movie like I did, you'll have less fun with this, but fun nonetheless. Go break a leg with Superman II.