As Superman man movies go, "Superman II" is a worthy sequel, and definitely at the top of the list. But there's a silliness to this film that's always kept it just a step below the first (for me). The background players (those who aren't Supes, Lois, Luthor, White, or the Kryptonians) are all cartoons, played for comedy: the podunk sheriff, the people in the streets of Metropolis, etc. Thank god this never gets nearly as bad as "Superman III". Also, how does the red sun chamber work at erasing Superman's powers if he's just going to walk outside in the sunshine again?
But the good outweighs the bad, and the movie kicks into high gear halfway in. There's a depth added when Lois discovers Clark's identity, and this is where things get interesting, what with the three bad guys taking over. Also, Terrence Stamp makes for a kickass ruling figure, and he's far and away the best villain in this movie (although Hackman's pretty funny when Luthor's sucking up to the higher authority).
Mostly, this is a movie where the action is the best aspect. It's thrilling to see Clark revisit the diner for some righteous justice. And the "Would you care to step outside" is a badass Reeve moment and terrific way to kick off a rollicking good super fight.
Nobody can play this role like Christopher Reeve.
7/10
But the good outweighs the bad, and the movie kicks into high gear halfway in. There's a depth added when Lois discovers Clark's identity, and this is where things get interesting, what with the three bad guys taking over. Also, Terrence Stamp makes for a kickass ruling figure, and he's far and away the best villain in this movie (although Hackman's pretty funny when Luthor's sucking up to the higher authority).
Mostly, this is a movie where the action is the best aspect. It's thrilling to see Clark revisit the diner for some righteous justice. And the "Would you care to step outside" is a badass Reeve moment and terrific way to kick off a rollicking good super fight.
Nobody can play this role like Christopher Reeve.
7/10