Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
A restored vision of Superman facing three escaped Kryptonian criminals while balancing cosmic duty with his love for Lois Lane.
Overview
A superhero faces his greatest challenge yet as ancient foes return to wreak havoc on Earth.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- playful
- romantic
- superhero marathon
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the Donner Cut as an exciting and worthwhile restoration that improves the balance between superhero adventure and romance, while remaining an uneven curiosity with loose ends.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film re-edits Superman II using Richard Donner's intended approach, restored footage, and a longer Kryptonian prologue.
Clark Kent renounces his powers to pursue a life with Lois Lane before humanity's crisis compels him to reassume his role as Superman.
Lois Lane discovers that her awkward colleague Clark Kent is Superman, transforming their relationship and its risks.
Lex Luthor joins General Zod and the other escaped Kryptonian criminals in their effort to dominate Earth.
Films like Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, and why
Superman: The Movie
shared superhero spectacle, science fiction adventure, comic-book mythology, and earnest romance
Superman Returns
shared classic superhero action, larger-than-life villains, playful tone, and heroic idealism
X-Men: The Last Stand
shared ensemble superhero conflict, powerful alien antagonists, and high-stakes world-saving adventure
Batman
shared colorful comic-book action, melodrama, camp humor, and superpowered villainy
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Donner
- Release Date
- 2006-11-02
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (422)
Cast
- Christopher Reeve
- Margot Kidder
- Gene Hackman
- Marlon Brando
- Ned Beatty
- Jackie Cooper
- Sarah Douglas
- Jack O'Halloran
- Valerie Perrine
- Clifton James
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut about?
- A restored vision of Superman facing three escaped Kryptonian criminals while balancing cosmic duty with his love for Lois Lane.
- What is Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut as mild.
- What did critics think of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut?
- Critics broadly regard the Donner Cut as an exciting and worthwhile restoration that improves the balance between superhero adventure and romance, while remaining an uneven curiosity with loose ends.
- Which films are like Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut?
- Films with a similar feel include Superman: The Movie, Superman Returns, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Batman.
- How long is Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut?
- Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut runs 116 minutes.
- Where can I watch Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut?
- In United States, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
