Superman II (1981)

Superman II 

Superman II is the only one of the three original sequels produced that could live up to the classic 1978 Superman. That is a surprise because the drama behind the movie is more famous than the movie itself. There are two cuts of the movie. The Richard Donner version and the Salkind version in which they brought in comedy director Richard Lester to direct the movie or what little remained to be shot. That said, I thought this movie was enjoyable! Compared to the first film, it had a lighter tone and comedy was used more here. I will say the film does come close to overstaying with its comedy. I also liked the introduction of three villains-the three Kryptons led by General Zod.

Before we discuss the film, it is important to talk about the behind-the-scenes drama. Richard Donner, who directed the 1978 original film, was filming the sequel back-to-back. The producers-the Salkinds, decided to shut down production so they can focus on promoting the first film. Donner already shot 75% of the film. Later on, Donner was having issues with producer Pierre Spengler and refused to return to complete the film as long as Spengler was onset. So the Salkinds moved on and brought in Richard Lester to complete the reshoots. The cast was furious at this decision, so much that Gene Hackman wouldn’t return to complete his scenes as Lex Luthor. Also, Marlon Brando had to be cut out of the film because he sued the producers because he claimed he was not given the portion of the box office of the first film. Plus, cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth passed away and composer John Williams left the project after fighting with Lester. Yes, the production was quite a mess. The final product was essentially the combination of the work of two directors thus resulting in a movie with alternating tones. Even the looks of the actors did not match from scene to scene. Which is why I am surprised to see how well the film did critically and financially.

There are these terrorists who take over the Eiffel Tower and they threaten to blow up Paris with a hydrogen bomb unless the French government meets their demands. Clark Kent aka Superman (Christopher Reeve) heads to France where he hurdles the bomb into outer space. Unknowingly to Clark, the bomb opens up the Phantom Zone where three Krypontian criminals escape. These criminals, General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O’Halloran), were imprisoned by Jor-El years prior. These villains head to Earth where they plan to take over, and of course Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) wants to join them, Clark Kent just wants to live in peace and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) figures out his secret. Clark goes to the Fortress of Solitude to rid himself of his powers so he can live with Lois, but those missing powers might be needed soon enough.

I have read elsewhere with people saying that Gene Hackman’s performance as Lex Luthor marks the worst performance of his career. Personally, that might be going too far. He is clearly having a lot of fun with the schemes of Lex Luthor. I guess that it’s the fact he has been in too many high-caliber films. Terence Stamp really gives General Zod a villainous edge as someone you do not want to cross. Christopher Reeve continues his success in his dual roles of Clark Kent and Superman. The movie focuses more on the character relationships between him and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. Both were fantastic and have a certain chemistry with each other. There were some funny moments between the two, especially where Lois Lane is trying to prove that Clark is indeed Superman. That Niagara Falls scene comes to mind and is probably the best sequence of the movie.

This movie could have and should have been a complete failure. The mess behind the scenes would have given most movies their premature deaths. Alas, this is Superman so he cannot be conquered so easily. Superman II is not as good as the first film, but it’s nowhere near as bad as the sequels that would follow. The film develops more characterization between Superman and Lois and the villains, led by General Zod are fleshed out. The direction is noticeably off as two different directors worked on the same movie. Any scene with Hackman was directed by Donner, as a heads up! The action sequences are well-done, but the special effects are clearly outdated. However, this is a worthy Superman sequel.

My Grade: B+