* * * ½ (3½ out of 5)
Superman II
Directed by: Richard Lester, 1980
Worthy sequel remembers what made the original great: sincerity.
Some of the scenes were filmed simultaneously with the first Superman and in having already (and carefully) outlined the characters and origins, Superman II jumps right into action. At the same time it takes a slightly more dark and daring approach and director Richard Lester (some scenes by original director Richard Donner were re-shot by Lester and he got final credit) even added a loose slapstick edge to the proceedings.
The continuity is striking; the story is once again by Mario Puzo, the dialogue is fresh and the whole cast from the original return in good form. Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve get to share several genuine love scenes and the otherwise innocent and naive feel of the franchise is momentarily abandoned as Superman gives up his powers (for Lois Lane) and gets a roughing at a roadside diner. Watching Superman/Clark Kent hurting and bleeding was more than some could take but it works well.
Gene Hackman as the twisted but humorous Lex Luthor is clearly having a field day once more, verbally sparring with the three new super villains as played by Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O'Halloran. Also thrown in the mix is Clifton James as a funny local hick sheriff practically portraying the same redneck peacemaker he did in two old James Bond movies (Live and Let Die, Man With The Golden Gun).
Somehow Superman II looks more dated than the original though maybe because it goes for action where the original went for awe but also because it in many scenes seems uneven. The battle scenes in and above the streets of Metropolis (on a huge set) look spectacular but feel restrained. Kids will love these scenes (I know I did back in the early 80s) but again: much of the wonder of the original is gone, replaced by action-packed and matter-of-factly brawn.
Side-note: Look out for the immense product placement; a Marlboro van and huge Coca Cola sign during the aerial battle scene.
Superman II
Directed by: Richard Lester, 1980
Worthy sequel remembers what made the original great: sincerity.
Some of the scenes were filmed simultaneously with the first Superman and in having already (and carefully) outlined the characters and origins, Superman II jumps right into action. At the same time it takes a slightly more dark and daring approach and director Richard Lester (some scenes by original director Richard Donner were re-shot by Lester and he got final credit) even added a loose slapstick edge to the proceedings.
The continuity is striking; the story is once again by Mario Puzo, the dialogue is fresh and the whole cast from the original return in good form. Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve get to share several genuine love scenes and the otherwise innocent and naive feel of the franchise is momentarily abandoned as Superman gives up his powers (for Lois Lane) and gets a roughing at a roadside diner. Watching Superman/Clark Kent hurting and bleeding was more than some could take but it works well.
Gene Hackman as the twisted but humorous Lex Luthor is clearly having a field day once more, verbally sparring with the three new super villains as played by Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O'Halloran. Also thrown in the mix is Clifton James as a funny local hick sheriff practically portraying the same redneck peacemaker he did in two old James Bond movies (Live and Let Die, Man With The Golden Gun).
Somehow Superman II looks more dated than the original though maybe because it goes for action where the original went for awe but also because it in many scenes seems uneven. The battle scenes in and above the streets of Metropolis (on a huge set) look spectacular but feel restrained. Kids will love these scenes (I know I did back in the early 80s) but again: much of the wonder of the original is gone, replaced by action-packed and matter-of-factly brawn.
Side-note: Look out for the immense product placement; a Marlboro van and huge Coca Cola sign during the aerial battle scene.