Superman II Review

Educational value: Intended to entertain, not educate.

Messages: Good and bad are clearly defined. Superman wins the day by lying to Lex Luthor and the Kryptonian supervillains (knowing that Luthor's pledge to not reveal a secret was, in itself, a lie). Some underlying messages about love and relationships weakening a man, but this is not explicit.

Role models: Superman is the ultimate superhero role model -- sacrificing himself for the greater good.

Violence and scariness: Lois is nearly crushed to death. Superman undergoes a creepy-looking change (with muscles and skeleton visible) when he sacrifices his powers for Lois. Younger viewers might be disturbed when the powerless Clark Kent is bested by a roadside bully, resulting in a bloody nose. Superman has several encounters with villains, the most notable being his battle with the trio from Krypton, which leaves much of Metropolis destroyed. Not many casualties are viewed, with the exception of a snake who is burnt, and a little boy who receives the same treatment (offscreen) for trying to warn authorities about the trio's threat.

Sexy stuff: Lois and Clark consummate their relationship, but it's discreetly depicted.

Language: Not an issue

Consumerism: Tie-in to vast quantities of related merchandise.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue