Superman II (1980)

 

Genre: Action/Superhero

Time: 2h 17mins

Director: Richard Lester

Quick Summary: Superman decides to give up his superpowers for the sake of his true love, Lois Lane. At the same time, three criminals from his home planet of Krypton land on Earth and try to conquer the world.

This film tries to pick up what the previous movie left and attempts to run on equal ground. It, unfortunately, doesn't quite get there. 

A lot more of the practical effects feel less magical and are clunkier. I found out this is because the film has two directors, the previous being Richard Donner had been fired halfway through. So there are clashes spread throughout the film, being two different styles are mashed up. Though I didn't think it was that bad, as they weren't that different.

One thing I liked that the first didn't do was It actually had good villains. As well as that they're seemingly stronger than Superman! This makes for a really entertaining challenge as they don't resort to cheap tricks. 

Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve both keep their wonderful chemistry and explore gentler, joyous moments together which really fleshed out their relationship. It becomes emotional between the two as there appears to be something pulling them apart, which eventually turns into quite a touching moment, I do really enjoy their on-screen romance as it feels genuine. Christopher Reeve is still a super likeable protagonist. 

The action scenes are pretty good, they always caught my attention, the costumes and the sets are amazing, and I think the plot is simple but I still really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, a lot of the effects haven't aged too well and a lot of the choices the new director made led to a few really dumb moments, like changing Lex Luthor to a secondary comedic relief character. 

8/10

"General Zod: [after shooting himself, unharmed] Crude noisemaker."

"Lois Lane: I don't want a bodyguard. I want the man I fell in love with.

Clark Kent: I know, Lois. I wish he was here."