Superman II
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: June 19, 1981
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 606 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
444
Mixed:
85
Negative:
77
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8
kyle20ellisMar 28, 2022
I love the original Superman film and consider it one of the all time great superhero films. This sequel is a worthy one. While it is uneven in tone, that I agree, and a tad overlong, the special effects are above decent and the score isI love the original Superman film and consider it one of the all time great superhero films. This sequel is a worthy one. While it is uneven in tone, that I agree, and a tad overlong, the special effects are above decent and the score is superb. The dialogue is pretty good and this film is probably the best plotted of all the films put together, being not too serious and not as silly as the succeeding two. The pacing is secure, and the subplot is sweet and doesn't distract. The direction is good, and the acting is fine. Christopher Reeve is still likable, and Gene Hackman and Terrence Stamp are rock-solid in the roles of Lex Luthor and General Zod. Overall, it isn't as good as the first film but it is the first and I think only worthy sequel(the third being lacklustre despite some good moments and the fourth being awful). 8/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
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9
EpicLadySpongeMay 3, 2016
I don't know how in the world is this ranked higher than the original Superman, but don't question critic logic. Just enjoy what they have in store for you.
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7
gameguardian21Mar 20, 2016
While not as good as the first one, this superman story continues the superman legacy that lasted two movies. With a entertaining villian, superman still heroic, and story, this was the superman movie that was the last good one before the 2000"s.
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7
MovieNightMar 6, 2016
Here's a new one: a director's cut from someone who isn't the credited director. When producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind decided to make a Superman film, they adopted the same strategy they chose for The Three Musketeers and The FourHere's a new one: a director's cut from someone who isn't the credited director. When producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind decided to make a Superman film, they adopted the same strategy they chose for The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers: shoot two at once and save some money. But as with the Musketeers films, the plan didn't quite work out. The Salkinds fired Superman director Richard Donner before he could complete the sequel, brought in Musketeers director Richard Lester to replace him, and lost the participation of Gene Hackman (who declined to come back for the Lester-shot footage) and Marlon Brando (whose footage was cut after he raised a stink over missing profits from the first Superman). Released in 1980 in Europe and 1981 in America, Superman II met with popular success, but fans, teased by footage that showed up in TV cuts, kept the idea of a truer, Donner-ier version alive, and the clamor has finally culminated in a new cut reconstructed by Michael Thau with Donner's approval.

The standard line holds Lester's version as too camp, blaming him for all the film's failings and crediting Donner with everything that works. That wouldn't be fair even if it didn't disrespect Lester (here repeatedly called "the other director"), who helmed masterpieces like A Hard Day's Night and Petulia, especially since the new cut reveals that Donner deserves a great deal of the credit and blame for both versions of Superman II. Most of the key scenes originated with Donner, and while his cut solves some of the original version's problems (no more Superman logo snares made out of cellophane), it has problems of its own.

Big problems. Anyone wanting to avoid camp will want to fast-forward through the painful comedic scenes featuring Hackman as Lex Luthor, with moll Valerie Perrine. One key scene obviously comes from patched-together screen tests, and the finale maddeningly repeats a cheap trick from the first Superman film. It's nice to see the Brando footage and the restored scenes of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder's breezy chemistry. But where the original cut at least played as a relatively cohesive movie, loose ends and all, this looks like little but loose ends. It's a curio, not a corrective.… Expand
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8
superbatMay 4, 2020
In my opinion, this sequel was better than the original. Though overall it maintains the previous movie's campy tone, it's much darker and more intense. Reeve shines as Superman once again, and the chemistry between him and Lois Lane wasIn my opinion, this sequel was better than the original. Though overall it maintains the previous movie's campy tone, it's much darker and more intense. Reeve shines as Superman once again, and the chemistry between him and Lois Lane was great. Gene Hackman's Luthor, along with Zod and his cronies, were fantastic in this movie as well.… Expand
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10
UNARMED_JORDAug 21, 2016
boasting a better story line, better villains and overall a better movie Superman II is in my opinion the best superman movie to ever be released, just great stuff.
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9
alejandro970Oct 2, 2021
His greatest success is to preserve the charisma of the previous installment, now with more dangerous villains and a sub-story of love that is functional enough and an epic climactic battle. The only drawback is that for current generationsHis greatest success is to preserve the charisma of the previous installment, now with more dangerous villains and a sub-story of love that is functional enough and an epic climactic battle. The only drawback is that for current generations the special effects look rustic. What I don't understand is why there are two different editions; it is a matter of seeing both and comparing. In loving memory of Christopher Reeve.… Expand
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10
TheMoeJan 4, 2017
Superman II was a great film. Way better than 3 or 4 and it has almost no flaws. General Zod is amazing and Reeve as Superman is amazing, as well. This movie is a 10/10.
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10
SonicHD7May 31, 2017
Superman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and NonSuperman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O'Halloran) from their imprisonment. Traveling to Earth, they threaten the planet with destruction at the same time that Superman decides to renounce his superpowers in order to live a normal life as Clark Kent with his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).… Expand
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6
amheretojudgeJan 3, 2019
Guests That Takes Us For Granted.

Superman II Lester's more cheesy and more flawed super-ness is, against all odds, more entertaining. With glorifying characteristics of the characters to its best at the most critical moments to give aGuests That Takes Us For Granted.

Superman II

Lester's more cheesy and more flawed super-ness is, against all odds, more entertaining. With glorifying characteristics of the characters to its best at the most critical moments to give a jarringly exhilarating, is a way of saying how grand the characters are, just in a loud voice. There was a very easy way to mend the broken in here, but unaware of the lack of lucid narration, the knack for a knockout enthralling punch feels empty. As far as the conversations are concerned, they grow one dimensional and more questionable than its first installment.

If Hackman gets that same over confident and self praising role to portray, the shallowness of Stamp's character, is something that outnumbers it on potential. As it was previously, the only thing charms its way out, no matter how cringe-worthy, is the repartee between Reeve and Kidder that is ought to be cheesy, and hence lands safely to the tone of the storytelling. The creation of the environment of the Moon, the final battle and the logistics of both the physics and character's perspective; all these essential points are poorly crafted out.

On terms of performance, Reeve's plastered non-expressive performance fails to deliver the gravitas of the scene especially the one where out protagonist gets beaten to blood, even then there is none whatsoever genuineness on his portrayal. Kidder on the other hand, as on overly obsessed reporter somehow works, whilst once again, Hackman is misused completely from head to toe. But as much as uncomfortable these flaws makes you, there is a lot to be amazed at, lot to reboot your mind to a kid-like, scoffing the limitations on the visual effects, it surely feels a blockbuster. Superman II is a far better and engaging than its previous one, a rare thing to come across and to pull off.… Expand
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3
FilipeNetoOct 31, 2021
After the success of the first film, a sequel was predictable. However, I can't say it's as good or impressive as the first movie. In fact, if the first one seems old to me, this film looks even more dated and there is no doubt that it hasAfter the success of the first film, a sequel was predictable. However, I can't say it's as good or impressive as the first movie. In fact, if the first one seems old to me, this film looks even more dated and there is no doubt that it has fallen into complete oblivion. The script follows the story of the first film and reveals how Lois comes to know the identity of Clark Kent, with whom she begins to live a romance, despite the chaos that is caused by the arrival of three more Krypton inhabitants: the criminals who, soon at the beginning of the first movie, we have seen being thrown into space.

The film is, on the whole, a poor sequel. I felt there was an effort to learn from mistakes and improve the story told, but I think Clark and Lois' romance is one of the less interesting points of the film, and that it may have displeased many comic book fans. For me, who enjoyed seeing the way he hid his identity and tried to court her at the same time, it was a bit annoying. One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of three truly menacing villains, capable of making the "man of steel" sweat a little, despite the maintenance of the despicable Lex Luthor and the tiresome and somewhat fetishistic mania that Zod, the leader of the villains, has to have people kneeling before him.

Christopher Reeve remains an honorable and dignified Superman, even though he's not as fresh and committed as would be desirable. Also, Margot Kidder seems to be doing well and Gene Hackman, despite hardly showing up, takes advantage of the opportunities to try to do better than he did in the first film. Overall I liked the work of Terence Stamp, an actor who usually did not appear in big productions and is not so flashy and recognized, but has talent and ability. Even so, I felt that he overacts and sounds artificial many times.

On a technical level, the film continues to focus on elaborate and eye-catching visual effects, following in the footsteps of the first film. It's not surprising, then, nor how cheap, primitive and unbelievable it is for our eyes, today. The cinematography seems to me slightly better than in the first film, as it is not so nebulous and makes a positive use of the filming locations and sets, which are more natural and elegant. It's a shorter than its predecessor, and that's another notable improvement. The soundtrack, on the other hand, is basically inherited from the initial movie, which is good.… Expand
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8
MarvelJoeFeb 4, 2019
I'm surprise this movie has a higher score than Superman (1978). Christopher Reeves does a great job as Clark and Superman. It's a good sequel but the first still tops it.
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10
Mr-MonsterOct 22, 2019
This movie is definitely one of the best superhero movies of all time. much better than black panther, and it deserves a better rating than that movie. Even after about 40 years, this movie is worth to watch. the special effects where aheadThis movie is definitely one of the best superhero movies of all time. much better than black panther, and it deserves a better rating than that movie. Even after about 40 years, this movie is worth to watch. the special effects where ahead of its time. people have to watch it.… Expand
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6
MglovesfunJan 29, 2020
This is tame by modern standards. The plot is extremely straightforward and Superman and the three Kryptonians only meet after 95 minutes of the movie. The graphics are weak even by 1980s standards (A New Hope, 1977, has better graphics). YetThis is tame by modern standards. The plot is extremely straightforward and Superman and the three Kryptonians only meet after 95 minutes of the movie. The graphics are weak even by 1980s standards (A New Hope, 1977, has better graphics). Yet it is the best of the Christopher Reeve tetralogy, and the most entertaining.… Expand
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7
RobwinzMay 22, 2020
It's not as good as the first Superman but it's still a decent sequel neither the less.
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6
Onlyclassicvg1Jan 9, 2021
Well, to (hopefully) clear a few things up a) Metacritic "weighs" some reviews to count for more than others. I don't necessarily agree with it but it's the fact of things. b) There are a lot of movies that exist here that… Expand
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1
OriginalDangerJul 5, 2020
The original Superman film was great but Christopher Reeve returns for Superman II... Three villains escape after a blast or something in space, they go causing havoc on earth and the leader is General Zod.... Sarah Douglas who plays one ofThe original Superman film was great but Christopher Reeve returns for Superman II... Three villains escape after a blast or something in space, they go causing havoc on earth and the leader is General Zod.... Sarah Douglas who plays one of the villains is ridiculous and can't act to save her life. Full of cheesey lines and gags and a horrible script and acting I'd say Superman II is one of the worst sequels ever made.… Expand
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8
infraReconJun 4, 2023
A good Sequel with what seems to be more budget and exciting scenes, however, there are some things in this movie that feel a bit tacky but it gets the job done well enough.

Comparing this to Man of Steel 2013, I see where Zack Znyder gotA good Sequel with what seems to be more budget and exciting scenes, however, there are some things in this movie that feel a bit tacky but it gets the job done well enough.

Comparing this to Man of Steel 2013, I see where Zack Znyder got his ideas for his first Superman film.

This film compared to the first is somewhat better actually to the first. The first just drags a little too much, here, there are things going on but the plot with Superman feels too forced and at times none sensical which makes it lesser than the previous film.

All in all it's a great Sequel and I like it, these older films do delve deep into the characters that are portrayed and that's great as opposed to recent films.

And Again it takes its time and doesn't rush the plot even if it's a bit mashed up at times.

8/10, still great, a bit lesser in consistency but still great.

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD, So I can Watch Superman III.… Expand
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8
FionanMurphyAug 14, 2022
A fantastic sequel that follows the furthur adventures of superman to a tee
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10
alerikandersonApr 26, 2023
Its better than the first one if we're talking about the Richard Donner Cut and the original version is right beside the first Superman.
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7
KnuffleBunny180Sep 10, 2023
This is a SPOILER FREE review of the DONNER VERSION OF THE FILM:

This movie was a huge imporvement over the first film. It has much better antagonists and Superman has a really good internal conflict that paved the way for movies likeThis is a SPOILER FREE review of the DONNER VERSION OF THE FILM:

This movie was a huge imporvement over the first film. It has much better antagonists and Superman has a really good internal conflict that paved the way for movies like Spider-Man 2, which is one of the greatest superhero films of all time. I highly suggest watching this film. Overall, this gets a 7/10, go watch it!… Expand
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