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Superman II

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    A witty, action-packed superadventure.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Superman wins the day by lying to Lex Luthor and the Kryptonian supervillains (knowing that Luthor's pledge to not reveal a secret was, in itself, a lie).

  • Violence & scariness:

    Lois is nearly crushed to death. Superman undergoes a creepy-looking change (with muscles and skeleton visible) when he sacrifices his powers for Lois. Younger viewers might be disturbed when the powerless Clark Kent is bested by a roadside bully, resulting in a bloody nose. Superman has several encounters with villains, the most notable being his battle with the trio from Krypton, which leaves much of Metropolis destroyed. Not many casualties are viewed, with the exception of a snake who is burnt, and a little boy who receives the same treatment (offscreen) for trying to warn authorities about the trio's threat.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Lois and Clark's "interlude" is discreetly presented.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Superman II

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.

Read our full review by Ed Grant

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Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    quibble
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    one of the best comic book movies of al time

    awesome film one of the best sequells of all time a little bit of sex but a family classic

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    TnMovieFan2
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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