For a sequel that went through production hell and back, SUPERMAN II (1980) is a burst of excitement that does SUPERMAN (1978) the justice that it deserves.
My review of the classic first film, SUPERMAN (1978), can be found by clicking here.
SUPERMAN II (1980) picks up right where SUPERMAN (1978) left off. After Superman throws the missiles, sent by Lex Luthor, into space, the explosion sends a ripple that hits the Phantom Zone, the prison dimension that holds General Zod and his two associates. These villains suddenly find themselves free and decide to take control of the nearby planet Earth. After taking control of the White House, General Zod learns of the hero of Earth, our beloved Man of Steel, and decides to challenge him, knowing that he is the only thing standing in his was of domination.
Clark Kent, unaware of General Zod, his team and their attempt to seize the Earth, decides to rid himself of his powers so that he can be with the woman he loves, Lois Lane. After hearing of Zod, however, Clark decides to reverse this process, knowing that Superman is the only one capable of saving the people of Earth. After a fight ensues, Superman lures Zod and his team to his Fortress of Solitude. There, Superman tricks the villains into believing that they are defeating him by removing his powers once more, when General Zod and his team are actually ridding themselves of their powers, allowing Superman to easily defeat them and send them back to the Phantom Zone where they belong.
Before delving too deep into this film, I do want to acknowledge the mess of production that this film went through. The production for this film began during the production of the first film, SUPERMAN (1978). Attempting to film both films one after the other caused tension on set, resulting in the original director, Richard Donner, being replaced by director Richard Lester. This decision was made, however, after a majority of SUPERMAN II (1980) was filmed, so Lester had to go back and re-film many of scenes, officially creating SUPERMAN II (1980). However, a new cut of the film was released a decade ago featuring the footage originally shot by Richard Donner, aptly being named SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT. This cut, featuring minor differences from Lester’s cut, shows the original director’s true intent for the film.
Just like its predecessor, also directed by Richard Donner, there is so much to love about this film. There’s heart, there’s action and there’s a whole lot of heroism. Just when you think that you can’t love Superman anymore, he finds a way to prove why he’s the most famous superhero of all. This film exemplifies the selflessness and determination of this cherished character and shows what being the champion of Earth entails. Christopher Reeves, the famed actor continuing his role from the first film, gives another performance that can, with every pun intended, only be described as out of this world. With the grand look, the dignified charm, and the practically visible virtue, Reeves’ Superman feels exactly how this character should be portrayed — almost straight out of the comic books.
Another aspect of this film that deserve recognition is precisely that, the elegant and colorful look that feels just like a recreation of some of the most famous panels in Superman’s comic book history. The special effects and cinematography of this film are unparalleled with any other superhero film at the time. Whether it’s General Zod and his associates flying through space, the extravagant Fortress of Solitude, or even Lois Lane jumping out of a building to prove she’s right about Clark Kent’s true identity, this film looks stunning beyond compare.
With every great film, though, there are still some flaws. This film takes an unexpected comedic turn at times, taking away from the flow of the story. It feels unnatural at times and even went as far as to take me out of the film. The comedy mainly consists of physical comedy as well, which feels like a bizarre choice.
So much time is spent developing the characters and creating a feeling of boldness that it only seems counterproductive for the characters to be bonking each other on the head the next second. This, however, does not ruin any of the monumental moments of the film, allowing the story to fully reach its audience.
SUPERMAN II (1980) is a fantastic super hero film. It’s hard to imagine how much time was spent crafting this film into what it has become, but all of the hard work that the production team of this movie puts in pays off. The final product, no matter which cut you watch, is heartfelt, exhilarating, and inspiring. With only a few not-so-funny comedic moments that cause only seconds of doubt in its audience, SUPERMAN II (1980) continuously picks itself back up and allows its audience to feel the Superman within all of us.
Written by William Staton, Retro Movie Reviewer -- Click to read William's posts
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With every great film, though, there are still some flaws. This film takes an unexpected comedic turn at times, taking away from the flow of the story. It feels unnatural at times and even went as far as to take me out of the film. The comedy mainly consists of physical comedy as well, which feels like a bizarre choice.
So much time is spent developing the characters and creating a feeling of boldness that it only seems counterproductive for the characters to be bonking each other on the head the next second. This, however, does not ruin any of the monumental moments of the film, allowing the story to fully reach its audience.
SUPERMAN II (1980) is a fantastic super hero film. It’s hard to imagine how much time was spent crafting this film into what it has become, but all of the hard work that the production team of this movie puts in pays off. The final product, no matter which cut you watch, is heartfelt, exhilarating, and inspiring. With only a few not-so-funny comedic moments that cause only seconds of doubt in its audience, SUPERMAN II (1980) continuously picks itself back up and allows its audience to feel the Superman within all of us.
Written by William Staton, Retro Movie Reviewer -- Click to read William's posts
Related Posts:
SUPERMAN (1978) Retro Review: This Film Still Stands Out as the His Finest Adventure
Batman 1966 Review: Holy Feature Length Movie, Batman!
Superman (1948) Review: It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s in Black & White!