There are not many examples of sequels being as good or better than their predecessors, especially when the first movie is widely considered a masterpiece. I can't imagine how anyone could have pictured a movie surpassing the brilliance that was Richard Donner's "Superman: The Movie" upon it's release. "Superman II" may not be the game changer that the first movie was but it might just be more fun. When you are talking about summer popcorn films, fun is a very important factor.
"Superman II" takes place right after the first film and sees the Kryptonian criminals General Zod, Ursa, and Non released from the Phantom Zone and coming to Earth. Superman is doing his usual big blue boy scout good deeds when Lois Lane figures out that he and Clark Kent are in fact one in the same. Clark Kent/Superman admits to Lois the truth and the two spend a romantic afternoon in the Fortress of Solitude. Clark is unaware that General Zod has arrived on Earth as he sacrifices his powers to be with Lois Lane. General Zod teams up with Lex Luthor in a plot to take over the world as a now mortal Clark Kent realizes he now has to make a choice. Clark Kent can stay human and let General Zod take control of the world or risk his newly mortal life in an effort to try and restore his powers in an attempt to stop General Zod and his lieutenants.
The project was unusual as it was originally partly filmed by Richard Donner. Donner started filming "Superman II" while he filmed "Superman: The Movie" making it one of the first productions to be ambitious enough to film more than one movie back to back. Richard Donner had filmed roughly 75% of the film when he got into heated arguments with the producers. Donner agreed to stop the remaining work on the sequel and instead completely focus on finishing the first film. After the first film was finished and released, Donner was fired from the sequel by the producers and did not get a chance to finish work on his film until his version of the film was released in conjunction with "Superman Returns". Richard Lester was hired to finish the film but Donner's firing caused problems with the already troubled production. To receive sole directing billing, Lester had to refilm a majority of scenes already filmed by Donner and had to reshape the beginning and ending of the movie. Adding to the problems, actors such as Gene Hackman refused to return for reshots upon hearing of Richard Donner's departure so stand ins had to be used for a few scenes.
Despite all the problems the film faced, it actually somehow turned out okay. One could argue that most of the spirit of Richard Donner's original take on the sequel remained since he provided a blueprint for Lester and many of Donner's scene still remained in the film. Basically Richard Lester was brought in to finish and polish an already solid sequel. Now, I may seem critical of Lester but he did contribute a lot to the film's lighter tone and humor. While it got a little hammy in a few parts, the humor worked for the most part in the film.
It was also nice to see a movie in which Superman could cut loose and showcase his powers. This film gave Superman an equal in General Zod and allowed him to throw a punch and fight. While seeing a man fly was a marvel in itself, seeing a man have to handle someone with the same powers was pure ecstasy.
The cast once again was at top form. Christopher Reeve once again embodied Superman with a purity rarely conveyed by most actors. The chemistry he shared with Margot Kidder was rewarded with tender moments in this film. Both Kidder and Reeve shine as a couple and only serve to enhance each other as performers. Gene Hackman was at his slimy best as Lex Luthor as Lex tried negotiating for land with General Zod. Lastly, Terence Stamp absolutely shined as the evil General Zod. Who could ever forget Stamp's delivery of "Kneel before Zod"?
"Superman II" is the rare film that shouldn't have worked yet somehow did. It remains one of the best comic book movies ever made and despite some of the more outlandish fashion showcased in the film, still stands the test of time. What more could you ask for in a superhero film?
Grade: A-
"Superman II" takes place right after the first film and sees the Kryptonian criminals General Zod, Ursa, and Non released from the Phantom Zone and coming to Earth. Superman is doing his usual big blue boy scout good deeds when Lois Lane figures out that he and Clark Kent are in fact one in the same. Clark Kent/Superman admits to Lois the truth and the two spend a romantic afternoon in the Fortress of Solitude. Clark is unaware that General Zod has arrived on Earth as he sacrifices his powers to be with Lois Lane. General Zod teams up with Lex Luthor in a plot to take over the world as a now mortal Clark Kent realizes he now has to make a choice. Clark Kent can stay human and let General Zod take control of the world or risk his newly mortal life in an effort to try and restore his powers in an attempt to stop General Zod and his lieutenants.
The project was unusual as it was originally partly filmed by Richard Donner. Donner started filming "Superman II" while he filmed "Superman: The Movie" making it one of the first productions to be ambitious enough to film more than one movie back to back. Richard Donner had filmed roughly 75% of the film when he got into heated arguments with the producers. Donner agreed to stop the remaining work on the sequel and instead completely focus on finishing the first film. After the first film was finished and released, Donner was fired from the sequel by the producers and did not get a chance to finish work on his film until his version of the film was released in conjunction with "Superman Returns". Richard Lester was hired to finish the film but Donner's firing caused problems with the already troubled production. To receive sole directing billing, Lester had to refilm a majority of scenes already filmed by Donner and had to reshape the beginning and ending of the movie. Adding to the problems, actors such as Gene Hackman refused to return for reshots upon hearing of Richard Donner's departure so stand ins had to be used for a few scenes.
Despite all the problems the film faced, it actually somehow turned out okay. One could argue that most of the spirit of Richard Donner's original take on the sequel remained since he provided a blueprint for Lester and many of Donner's scene still remained in the film. Basically Richard Lester was brought in to finish and polish an already solid sequel. Now, I may seem critical of Lester but he did contribute a lot to the film's lighter tone and humor. While it got a little hammy in a few parts, the humor worked for the most part in the film.
It was also nice to see a movie in which Superman could cut loose and showcase his powers. This film gave Superman an equal in General Zod and allowed him to throw a punch and fight. While seeing a man fly was a marvel in itself, seeing a man have to handle someone with the same powers was pure ecstasy.
The cast once again was at top form. Christopher Reeve once again embodied Superman with a purity rarely conveyed by most actors. The chemistry he shared with Margot Kidder was rewarded with tender moments in this film. Both Kidder and Reeve shine as a couple and only serve to enhance each other as performers. Gene Hackman was at his slimy best as Lex Luthor as Lex tried negotiating for land with General Zod. Lastly, Terence Stamp absolutely shined as the evil General Zod. Who could ever forget Stamp's delivery of "Kneel before Zod"?
"Superman II" is the rare film that shouldn't have worked yet somehow did. It remains one of the best comic book movies ever made and despite some of the more outlandish fashion showcased in the film, still stands the test of time. What more could you ask for in a superhero film?
Grade: A-
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