Clearly a more enjoyable motion picture than SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, for reasons that it develops and directly continues what was foreshadowed and left open in the original film. I was thoroughly entertained by the charm and wit of SUPERMAN 2... From scenes of Clark and Lois in Niagra Falls, where Lois Lane finally reveals her suspicions of Clark and Superman being one, and after a terrible mishap... (caused with devious intent by Lane), Clark is told "You were who I thought were Superman?".
The action even starts immediately, in Paris when Superman disarms a potential catastrophe, but while simultaneously, and unwittingly freeing 3 prisoners from The Phantom Zone - infuriated villains, especially Zod (played magnificently by Terence Stamp) who were jailed by Jor-El in the first movie. Lex Luthor returns with the same cynical humor as in the first film, I laughed when he said, "But couldn't they get parole?"
It is hard to distinguish the Donner scenes from those made by Lester, but nonetheless this does not make the film of lesser entertainment value, because a lot of trailer moments in here, comic relief and romance. Might I even say the performances are even better than that of the original film, Reeve portrays his Clark Kent persona with much more bungling sensitivity, and watch the darker side of Kent as he attempts to confront a bully, while stripped off of his Kryptonian powers. And Margot Kidder, gives much passion and child-like adventurosity to Lois Lane.
What I didn't really like about Superman II, was one thing - the opening credits I could have done without all the recaps from the first movie, but I can assure you the salvaged John Williams theme performed by another composer is NOT ruined either but even a layman to music, like myself can discern slight alterations to the tone of the instruments, but nonetheless the new composer stays faithful; and may I just say if you want a better revival and re-use of Williams's classic scoring, it is found in SUPERMAN RETURNS. I have not seen the series 3rd and 4th installment, but it is all right as RETURNS, the movie which came out this year as well as fans choose to ignore those installments of lesser quality.
Though many have found the dual-director shifting an awkward undertaking, as I have stated I could NOT tell apart the Donner scenes from the Lester-directed sequences, but the writing is just as skillful as the first film because of Mario Puzo and company, you will also find clearer exposition in this film, unless I missed it if it was in SUPERMAN THE MOVIE, in here the villains state that the molecular structure of Kryptonians are increased, thus giving them abilities aplenty because of their exposure to our Solar System's sun. In contrast, it is the rays of the sun of Krypton that can remove those powers... at least temporarily. Notice, the much darker tone of portraying the antagonists, a tone set and maintained, the three fugitives begin their reign of terror at our friends in the Lunar Excurscion Module, just when our Supes has the inclination to settle down. The conflict within is when he discovers that settling down might NOT be an option after all.
Superman II is as exciting as it can get, but interestingly it does NOT have a commonplace Hollywood finale, there is denouement here and there, but watch the sentimental and almost tragic resolve to Clark/Superman and Lois Lane's relationship when our Supes is left with but one choice - thus explaining why Lane does NOT know who the man of steel really is in the movie that follows this one, NOT the 3rd and 4th installment which may rightfully be ignored, but 2006's SUPERMAN RETURNS.
All in all, Superman II is a highly enjoyable treat of Saturday Matinée entertainment although my first viewing of this one in my PC was a rather "first house" schedule due to school... Nonetheless, those seeking a light, funny, action-packed piece with good music and some of the finest acting need no look further than this 1980 outing.
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