awesome film one of the best sequells of all time a little bit of sex but a family classic
Superman II
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A witty, action-packed superadventure.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Superman II was written by Ed Grant
Parents need to know that this sequel to the 1978 live-action film is heads and shoulders above the original. Witty and fast-paced, a playful sense of humor pervades this superhero saga. Excellent acting and tight direction more than compensate for special effects that have dated badly since the movie's release. School-age kids respond to both the action and the sympathetic portrait of the nerdy Clark Kent. Although they'll be repelled by the primitive-looking special effects, preteens respond well to the flippant humor and fast pace. They're also able to comprehend Superman's "sacrifice" for love. Teen and older viewers enjoy the movie's irreverent attitude towards many hallmarks of the Man of Steel mythos, while also appreciating the "date" between Lois and Clark. This film does, however, deal with mature themes of world domination, crime, love, heroism, sacrifice.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what they value most in life and what they would sacrifice for it. What would they do in Superman's shoes?
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More on Superman II
What’s the Story?
In SUPERMAN II, three treasonous villains from Krypton who have been serving a prison sentence are set free by a chance hydrogen bomb blast. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) realizes that her timid coworker Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) is actually Superman. Superman takes her to his Fortress of Solitude retreat to celebrate (and consummate) their love. Per Kryptonian law, he gives up his superpowers when he consummates his relationship. Meanwhile, the Kryptonian supervillians take over a town and proclaim their dominion over Earth. Superman returns to the Fortress to restore his powers, and then battles the trio, who are now being advised by Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) who has escaped his own prison sentence. After the trio smash most of Metropolis, they are outwitted by Superman, who chooses to retain his powers despite his love for Lois.
Is It Any Good?
The most entertaining and exciting live-action Superman adventure, Superman II delivers plenty of slam-bang action, a hearty dose of amusing sight gags, and a wonderfully endearing take on our hero's love life. Top-notch scripting and direction elevate this sequel above other depictions of the Man of Steel, with the exception of the later WB animated series.
The major failing of Superman was its emphasis on "preliminaries" -- an extended origin story, sketching of the central characters, and a delineation of our hero's superpowers. Superman II cuts to the chase by introducing the cast of supervillains and getting Lois and Superman together right away. The key elements distinguishing Superman II are its whimsical sense of humor and excellent pacing.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Directors: Richard Lester, Richard Donner
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1981, DVD release: 5/1/2001
MPAA Rating: PG for mature themes.
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1981, DVD release: 5/1/2001
MPAA Rating: PG for mature themes.
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
one of the best comic book movies of al time
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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