Review of Superman II (1980) by Calum B — 08 Sep 2012

It's certainly campy - even the Donner version has the camp laid on pretty thickly, but Superman II was entertaining at the time it was made and has held up pretty well today. Chris Reeve was a great Superman, and here he has his hands full after being pitched up against three Kryptonian super-villains who have the same powers he has, a Lois Lane growing increasingly suspicious of Clark Kent's sudden disappearances whenever the Man Of Steel shows up and an escaped Lex Luthor out to get even.

Having now seen the Donner version twice I think I like parts of both versions - the Eiffel Tower atom bomb sequence never worked for me, though Donners film also has more strained humour between Lex and his cohorts. The ending of the Donner film is also a complete fudge, though the tone is more even and the scenes between Reeve and Marlon Brando are fascinating to watch after all this time. Terence Stamp is a hoot as General Zod, and Sarah Douglas is a great vampy Ursa. When I compare the chemistry between Reeve and Kidder, and the zero interest Brandon Routh-Kate Bosworth relationship in Superman Returns, there's no contest, really. Gene Hackman gets better and funnier dialogue this time out as Luthor - I also much prefer his showing to Kevin Spacey's.

The highlight of the film is the action duel between Superman and The Kryptonian renegades. It's exciting, splendid stuff, and it's worthwhile to remember there was no template out there at the time for superhero battles. It also manages to develop the story rather than being just all out action, as Zod comes to realise that Superman cares for the human race and can use this compassion as a weapon.

Superman II may not have the epic feel of the first movie but it certainly is a fun entertaining ride, and who can resist Clark Kent's unexpected return to the diner? Certainly not me!