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Superman II
- PG
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 1981
Common Sense Media says
A witty, action-packed superadventure.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What 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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AGE
Language is an issue!
In the Police scene there were 5 bad words and the Lord's name was taken in vain once. I was really disappointed because I looked it up and it said that language was not an issue.
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AGE
2nd in the series, the 2nd best too
Epic superhero movie starring the great Christopher Reeve as the man of steel. It is a little bloody at one point and Zod is thrown into a coca cola sign. Superman is a good role model in this excellent sequel to the even greater predecessor.
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AGE
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
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AGE
Good, but this website overlooked one thing...
I love this movie. Aside from the exclusion of both Marlon Brando and Richard Donner in the project, it is very well done. I'm writing this, however, to talk about the product placement in this film which is not mentioned on this website. Marlbro Cigarettes have their product on screen for quite a while during the Metropolis fight scene.
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AGE
Soooo Good!
Better than the first. A lot more action
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| Topics: | superheroes, adventures |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Directors: | Richard Donner, Richard Lester |
| Cast: | Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 127 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1981 |
| DVD release date: | May 1, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mature themes. |
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