Watching “Superman II” in 2024 feels like revisiting a classic that, somehow, has managed to keep its charm, even with all the technological and narrative advancements that superhero movies have gone through over the decades. The film picks up right where the first “Superman” from 1978 left off, and it doesn’t waste time recapping the basics, aside from a quick summary at the beginning. It dives straight into the action and emotional conflicts surrounding the hero.
The story here follows a simple premise: Superman (once again played perfectly by Christopher Reeve) has to face three Kryptonian villains led by General Zod (Terrence Stamp), who escape their interdimensional prison to conquer Earth. But what makes “Superman II” stand out isn’t just the epic showdown between the Man of Steel and these powerful villains, but how it digs deeper into the more human, vulnerable sides of the hero.
One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is how it develops the relationship between Clark Kent, Superman, and Lois Lane. The tension between Clark’s secret identity and Lois’ love has always been a central theme, but here, it gets a lot more depth. Lois is determined to prove that Clark is really Superman, and she has some of the funniest and smartest scenes in the movie, like when she throws herself into the Niagara Falls rapids, hoping Clark will save her. This moment, full of humor and tension, really captures the lighthearted yet grand spirit of the movie.
The romance between Lois and Superman also makes significant progress. After years of flirting and unspoken desire, we finally see them consummate their love, although in a pretty subtle way. But this relationship comes at a high price for Superman, as he loses his powers temporarily in order to choose love. This dilemma adds a rich emotional layer to the story, as the hero has to give up his very essence to live a “normal” love life. Clark’s vulnerability, now without his powers, makes him even more relatable, showing that even the greatest heroes have to make sacrifices.
The change in direction is also noticeable. Richard Lester replaced Richard Donner, and this resulted in a lighter, more humorous tone compared to the original film. Lester brings his signature touch of satire and humor, balancing the epic moments with more laid-back, fun scenes. Gene Hackman, as Lex Luthor, takes full advantage of this tonal shift, delivering an even more over-the-top performance. Hackman brings a kind of humor to the villain that ultimately lessens his threat, which is one of the major flaws in Lester’s direction.
Of course, the film wouldn’t be complete without its grand action sequences. The battles between Superman and the villains in Metropolis are spectacular for the time, with buses being thrown around, buildings getting destroyed, and crowds of civilians watching the chaos unfold. The charm here lies in how the film seamlessly integrates the fantastic into everyday life, something that’s at the core of Superman’s essence. The reactions from the “ordinary citizens” to the chaos around them add a touch of realism and humor to the spectacle.
What sets “Superman II” apart from so many other superhero films, though, is how it explores the duality between Superman and Clark Kent. It’s more than just a physical difference—the real distinction is in their mental attitude. Clark is the everyday guy, the quiet journalist that no one suspects of being Earth’s greatest hero. And this almost feels like a metaphor for all of us, suggesting that behind every ordinary person, there could be something extraordinary waiting to be revealed.
Technically speaking, the special effects in “Superman II” might seem pretty outdated today, especially compared to the hyper-realistic superhero films we have now (or had a few years ago). But they work within the context of the time, and more importantly, they never take away from the characters or the emotions the film wants to convey.
“Superman II” is a film that balances action, romance, and humor in a way that few movies manage to do. Even though it has its flaws, like some less-polished effects or moments of uneven pacing, the charisma of the actors and the emotional depth make those flaws easy to forgive. More than 40 years later, it still stands as a landmark in the superhero genre, showing that even in the most epic moments, what really captivates us is the humanity behind the hero.
