Superman II (1980)

 Much has been said about the troubled production of this one. You see, both the first one and this one were shot simultaneously by Richard Donner, but after the first one came out, the producers fired Donner and brought in Richard Lester, who proceeded to reshoot quite a lot of the material. The result is still a fun film, but it is quite lower on the enjoyment continuum compared to the first one. I must also confess: I enjoyed this one better as a child, but as a grownup, I can fully see that the first one is far superior. 

When terrorists want to blow up the Eiffel Tower with a nuclear bomb, Superman is just in time to save Lois Lane and hurl the bomb into outer space. But in a freak mishap, the explosion and shockwaves destroy the Phantom Zone prison wherein General Zod, Ursa and Non were imprisoned at the start of the first film. They obviously want to rule and head to Earth. 

Meanwhile, Clark and Lois are sent on a story, but it turns out quite differently, as Lois discovers who Clark really is and they profess their love. So they head towards the Fortress of Solitude where Kal-El gives up his powers in order to be a normal human. But he immediately discovers that it isn't that much fun and Lois suddenly seems quite distant. 

Go figure. I guess she only really wanted him when he was literally 'super'. 

Yes, I know she doesn't want him to give up his powers and feels it is a rash and rather stupid decision. But the way it is shot, feels more akin to the first (and far more negative) explanation. 

Zod and his cronies level a small town and challenge Superman, who did apparently regain his powers, even though the hologram of his mother said the process was irreversible. 

Huh. Who knew?

From then on, the battle is on and it all comes to a head in the Fortress of Solitude. When all is over, Superman erases Lois' memory with a kiss and we're back to square one. 

Yes, it is quite a lot and this fragmentation doesn't do the film any favours. Also, it is supposed to be a little silly, but a lot of things are played for laughs and fail. The imposing character of Non is reduced to comic relief and it feels weird. Lex Luthor is also back, but he doesn't get to do much besides being a snivelling little nincompoop and it is so out of character that it feels off. 

But there is still good stuff. Christopher Reeve is once again great in his dual role and usually the interaction with Lois works really well, just because Margot Kidder is a pretty feisty lady. Who also takes the cake but for a whole different reason, is Terence Stamp as Zod. Yes, he is undoubtedly overacting and hamming it up, but he is mesmerising to look at. This larger-than-life, almost Shakespearean turn of the character doesn't feel out of place, even though at times, it is rather silly. Sarah Douglas as Ursa is also a great choice, as she has that evil and cold stare down to a T. 

But on the whole, this one isn't as tight and coherent as the first one. The sense of wonder and excitement is almost gone and that is a real shame. But for a fun watch, this is still fine. 

It is doubly so when you know what was still in store for the Man of Steel...