Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the movie features some violent images, beginning with the fiery crash of Superman's return vehicle, along with lots of explosions, earth-shakings, giant waves, and an especially harrowing sequence in which a plane almost crashes. There's an earthquake, a bank robbery, and a near-drowning. And lots of bloodless violence: The villain stabs Superman repeatedly, and in a long scene, Superman is kicked and beaten. Someone is crushed by a piano. Some younger kids could be upset by the fact that both mothers and sons are in jeopardy, and some scenes are very sad (Superman grieves for his lost father and his changed relationship with Lois; when he's in the hospital, people worry). Finally, it wouldn't be summer without smoking in a movie (every year it happens in kids' films...) -- Lois carries cigarettes; one scene in a bar shows beer drinking.

Sexual Content

Lois and Superman share lingering looks and a chastely romantic flight over Metropolis; Kitty wears some tight, campy costumes.

Violence

Superman's return to earth occurs in a fiery crash; a plane catches fire and plummets through the sky; Superman rescues victims in other violent scenes (explosion caused by cigarette butt lighting gas, bank robbery, earthquake, woman falling off building, car out of control); Lex beats, kicks, and stabs Superman with kryptonite shard; a little dog is shown eating its fellow little dog; Superman stops thieves with major automatic weapons, deflects a shot at his bullet-proof eye..

Language

One "damn," one s-word.

Social Behavior

Superman saves the day unselfishly.

Consumerism

Tie-in to vast quantities of related merchandise.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Clark and Jimmy go to a bar; Jimmy drinks beer; Lois starts to smoke a cigarette and Superman convinces her she should not.