Superman II
(1980)
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Once again mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), hiding his identity as Superman, must fight for law and order. This time around, a triumvirate of nasty villains from the planet Krypton break free of their dimensional prison and hightail it to Earth, where they enjoy the same superpowers as Superman. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) has discovered that Superman and Clark are the same person, so Superman debates whether to give up his abilities to become a normal man and share his life with Lois. Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT) takes the helm for this sequel, which is arguably the equal of the original hit film. |
Purists may not agree, but this is probably the best segment of the Superman saga in terms of plot — it's free from the occasionally po-faced seriousness of the first and the rampant silliness of the remaining two. Director Richard Lester delivers a knowing, knockabout cartoon with Superman (Christopher Reeve) finding out that he is no longer the toughest guy around when three baddies (underpants on the inside) are exiled from his home planet and arrive on Earth. The effects are equal to the first film and there's a strong supporting cast, including an irascible Gene Hackman and the excellent Terence Stamp in what, at the time, was something of a comeback role.