Superman II (1981)

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

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.

There is a few awesome scenes, but overall story is plain dumb. Still, comic-book atmosphere is stronger than in original, special effects are excellent for it's time and it is highly entertaining. Christopher Reeve once again shows why he is the best Superman of all. Although this movie is not even close to first one, for its time and genre it's still very much above average.7,5/10

The villains make the difference here, and succeed in making this one of the very rare times I can think of when I prefer part 2 over the first film. Terence Stamp clearly relishes his role as the ruthless, yet (mostly) calm and collected General Zod, who, with his two cohorts, were banished from Krypton shortly before its destruction in the early stages of the first film. Freed by shock waves from a blast in deep space, the trio head to Earth to wreak havoc, and gain control of the entire planet. Meanwhile, a love story between Superman and Lois Lane is playing out. A few scenes require a suspension of disbelief, but it's a comic book superhero adventure, and a great one at that, and can be forgiven.

Superman 2 (1980): Dir: Richard Lester / Cast: Christopher Reeves, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas: Every bit as exciting as the first film. Clark Kent faces even greater challenges with his relationship with reporter Lois Lane and his battle against the scheming Lex Luthor and three super villains. However Kent may not be able to stop them thus leaving him torn between his love for Lane and his being a super hero. Directed by Richard Lester who previously helmed the Beatles masterpiece A Hard Day's Night. Christopher Reeves returns as Superman who questions his destiny. Margot Kidder plays the ever testing Lane who knows that something isn't quite right with Clark. Gene Hackman is superb as Luthor who breaks out of prison and recruits three super villains in belief that Superman has met his match. Terrence Stamp is compelling as the leader of the three super villains who are encased in glass sheet prisons hurled aimlessly through space but upon their escape they wreck havoc upon the earth. They embark upon a grueling battle with Superman in the city streets until Superman realizes that their downfall will not be through brawn. Sarah Douglas plays the sly and feisty female super villain. Electrifying special effects highlight as Clark must decide what is more important, being in love or being the man of steel. Score: 9 / 10