Superman II (1980) Film Summary
Three escaped criminals from the planet Krypton test the Man of Steel’s mettle. Led by General Zod, the Kryptonians take control of the White House and partner with Lex Luthor to destroy Superman and rule the world. But Superman, who attempts to make himself human in order to get closer to Lois, realizes he has a responsibility to save the planet.
Key Points
Superman II (1980) Movie Review
Everyone agrees that whereas Superman the Movie becomes better the more you see it, Superman II gets worse the more you watch it. That is not to suggest that the sequel is awful; on the contrary, it makes for pleasant, undemanding viewing and occasionally displays genius (and Sarah Douglas in that outfit – and before you lambast me as sexist, the wife goes all funny over Terence Stamp in his black shiny number). Richard Donner, the original director of Superman II, was sacked after a disagreement with the producers after filming up to 75% of the sequel, and Richard Lester had to reshoot a sizable portion of the picture in order to receive the director’s credit.
It’s a miracle the movie was finished at all when you consider the film’s original beginning and ending had to be changed, and Marlon Brando’s filmed moments were substituted with Susannah York since it was decided they were too expensive. Lester is a capable director, but his style is very, very different from Donner’s, with less emphasis on mythology and more on humour. Lester’s movie has more in common with an early Roger Moore Bond movie or Smokey and the Bandit while the original had an epic sweep before turning into a screwball comedy and disaster movie.Clifton James even plays a variant of JW Pepper.
General Zod, Ursa, and Non (played by Stamp, Douglas, and Jack O’Halloran), three villainous Kryptonians banished to the Phantom Zone, are set up in the original movie and liberated after Superman launches a terrorist nuclear bomb into space from Paris. Following some extremely antisocial behaviour on the Moon, the three travel to Earth just as Lois (Margot Kidder) learns that Clark (Christopher Reeve) is the big S, giving up his powers so they can be together. poor timing Now, Kal-El, the group has paired up with Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), and they are searching for the jailer’s son.With the publication of the Donner Cut in 2006, the Snyder Cut of that time, fans have recently had the opportunity to not only speculate on what Donner’s version would have looked like, but to actually view an approximation.
The Donner Cut is actually not that different because Donner already shot the majority of the dialogue sections before he was fired. In spite of this, Hackman declined to take part in the reshoots out of respect for Donner.Two of the action scenes in the movie are Lester’s main contribution, aside from reshooting minor details in other scenes to increase his screen time. He does well in these scenes even though he ignores all internal logic by having Kryptonians suddenly be able to levitate people or repel fire with their will.
In fact, the altercation between Superman and the demonic three in downtown Metropolis is wonderful, and I enjoy Lester’s comical touches like the roller skater who is sent flying down the street by Superman’s breath and the man and lady who both lose their wigs.Richard Griffiths is an added bonus in the new Paris starting, which is always a good thing. The absence of Brando is one area where the theatrical version falls short. York is fine, but the Donner Cut has a lot more raw strength, Jor-El is less forgiving of his son’s decision to forego his duty in favour of Lois, and Reeve really goes for the passion of the scene by sacrificing what is left of his essence to revive Kal-powers. El’s The heroics and humour are more balanced in Donner’s version, but what we saw in theatres is essentially the same.
Lester’s slapstick style is perhaps better suited to the audience, which is primarily made up of young people. However, whether going back in time AGAIN or that shady hypno-kiss, both conclusions are terrible. Whichever version you decide to see, the acting is excellent, especially from Reeve and Kidder, whose chemistry is apparent. The supporting cast also shines, and Stamp provides an unforgettable villain. Nevertheless, even though Hackman has a more supporting role this time, he still manages to steal every scene he is in.
Lester’s slapstick style is perhaps better suited to the audience, which is primarily made up of young people. However, whether going back in time AGAIN or that shady hypno-kiss, both conclusions are terrible. Whichever version you decide to see, the acting is excellent, especially from Reeve and Kidder, whose chemistry is apparent. The supporting cast also shines, and Stamp provides an unforgettable villain. Nevertheless, even though Hackman has a more supporting role this time, he still manages to steal every scene he is in.
Superman II (1980) Movie Cast & Crew
Released: 1980-12-04
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Casts:Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Sarah Douglas
Duration: 127 min
Country:United Kingdom, United States of America
Production: Dovemead Films, Film Export A.G., Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Entertainment, DC Comics
