Superman II: Zod

[Tycho]

I actually can't give this film as high of acolaydes. It's very entertaining to be sure, but it plays like an extended episode of Smallville, with weaker effects even (granted, I have to ALMOST make allowances for the times).

But Superman 2 was made at the time (actually after the time) that George Lucas had perfected laser beams in Star Wars and was rolling General Veers' army of AT-AT's forward in the snow. Meanwhile, General Zod's laser beam eyes look more like 1967 Star Trek phaser effects, and all of the Kryptonians more or less float instead of fly (Smallville does superspeed on land and occasionally in the air much better today).

The discovery of their powers aspect of Zod, Ursa, and Non is quite cool and well developed. Lex is really quite bungling a bit - or his help surrounding him makes him appear that way. I'm not watching the Donner Cut - didn't buy that, as I heard that the ending wasn't finished and it reuses the end to Superman The Movie - which I've seen once and don't need to see twice.

The movies don't adequately develop why Clark is so interested in Lois, a major point, btw. It is obvious why she is into him, but while Margot Kidder was attractive back then, as Lois she has a personality that would inspire me to use super-speed to run the opposite way!

If anything, the movies convince me that should Smallville be ever brought to the big screen, or even do made-for-tv Superman movies, it'd be twice as good! They've built up a great history for the characters in the 6 years that show's been running and as well - a great style.

[JetsAndHeels]

You should at least rent or borrow a copy of the Donner Cut. There are some additional scenes in the FOS where Jor El and Superman talk alot. You also see a different way in which Lois learns Clark's secret. The end part with the recycling of Superman I's ending was a bit dissappointing but still the Donner Cut delivers.

[General_Grievous]

Yeah, but the Donner cut got rid of that awesome scene at the end where Superman flies to the White House and says "Hello, Mr. President. Sorry I've been gone so long. I won't let you down again." That was one of my favorite scenes in the movie. I still prefer the original cut.

[DarkArtist]

i have to say this is by far my favorite of the Superman movies, followed closely by Superman and Superman Returns. however, in regards to the Donner cut, while i do love this version more then the original i would love to see both movies together in one huge Superman II. too bad that the ill blood between Donner and Salkind couldn't be remedied.

[JON9000]

The only parts of the Donner Cut I really, really enjoyed were the Brando bits, and I liked the Lois and Clark stuff at the beginning. However, I really liked Lester's scenes in Paris and Lois jumping into the river as well, so I can't say one is truly superior to the other, except that plot-wise, Supes giving up his powers and then going to regain them has a ton more emotional pull in the new cut. I was also glad some of the stupid, invented on-the-spot powers were left out.

I always get a great kick out of this film, if for nothing other than Terrence Stamp bellowing his signature line.

[Tycho]

"Kneel before Zod!"

You know, Mattel or better yet, SideShow, should go back and make new Superman 2 action figures up to today's standards. The Gene Hackman figure should come with a removeable plastic hair piece so you can have him bald if you prefer that (I do).

[JetsAndHeels]

If there would be Superman II figures I would camp out in line at the store just to get them first.

[bobafrett]

Forgive my ignorance, but there were 2 versions of Superman II? I'm confused (nothing new there), but I only recall seeing one version. Unless you guys are talking about the DVD releases.

[JetsAndHeels]

Forgive my ignorance, but there were 2 versions of Superman II? I'm confused (nothing new there), but I only recall seeing one version. Unless you guys are talking about the DVD releases.

There is the original version of Superman II that has always been out, then in November the Richard Donner Cut was released. The Donner cut has extra scenes and an alternate ending.

[bobafrett]

There is the original version of Superman II that has always been out, then in November the Richard Donner Cut was released. The Donner cut has extra scenes and an alternate ending.

I see, thanks for the clarification!