SUPERMAN II (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.6|5.0 Starsìì

Superman II contains slightly better special effects, but nothing really terrific or new, than the last Superman movie. Unfortunately, Christopher Reeve continues to portray Superman in a type of bashful silliness that just does not fit the Superman physique or expected superhero psyche. The rest of the cast seems ‘old hat’ without any uniquely new additions to add to this film’s story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Daily Planet newspaper sends Clark Kent/Superman (Christopher Reeve) and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) to Niagara Falls for news story coverage. Clark Kent breaks character to rescue a boy who falls over the edge of the falls and Lois becomes suspicious that Clark Kent is Superman. But Clark Kent devises a small scheme to put her off track. The scheme works until he trips and falls into a fireplace without suffering injury. He reveals himself and takes Lois Lane to his Arctic Fortress of Solitude. In the meantime, three villains General Zod (Terrence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O’Halloran) capture the President of the United States (E.G. Marshal), command obeisance, and demand the same from Superman.

Additional Thanks

Fair Work for Directors Richard Lester and Richard Donner. Thank you to Executive Producer Ilya Salkind for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), Otis (Ned Beatty), Perry White (Jackie Cooper), Eve Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine), Lara (Susannah York), Sheriff (Clifton James), and Jimmy Olsen (Marc McClure).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There are better films to choose from like DC comic’s Batman and Robin with George Clooney, Uma Thurman, Chris O’Donnell, Alicia Silverstone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. That is the film to watch; but, Superman II lacks realism, coherence, and a good script. It just does not jive for entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers