Review of ‘Supergirl’: A New Spin on the Superhero Genre

The character of Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, makes a striking entry in Craig Gillespie’s film, leaving behind traditional superhero attire for something more punk-rock. Portrayed by Milly Alcock, Supergirl’s character diverges from the typical superhero mold, embodying a rebellious spirit and casual, nonchalant demeanor. Instead of the classic spandex suit, she opts for a Blondie T-shirt, signaling her unique style.

In ‘Supergirl,’ Kara is introduced in a highly unconventional manner. She has been on a days-long interstellar spree, displaying more traits of a rock star than a superhero. Her character draws a parallel to Han Solo with her carefree movements across the galaxy in a dilapidated spaceship. She often finds herself amidst bar brawls on various planets, setting her apart from her superhero peers. Alcock’s portrayal of this character brings a refreshing, jagged energy to the role, although the film itself struggles to maintain the same high level of vibrancy.

The release of ‘Supergirl,’ the second film under James Gunn’s leadership of the DC Universe, has faced its share of skepticism from fans who doubted its place within the franchise. However, Alcock’s brief appearance in ‘Superman’ was well-received, making her a natural choice to lead her own film alongside her trusty floating dog, Krypto. Most of the film takes place in outer space, with Kara rarely visiting Earth, aligning the movie’s production and design closer to Gunn’s style seen in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’

‘Supergirl’ offers a cosmic environment filled with quirky characters and comedic elements, like Seth Rogen as the voice of a tiny alien navigator. The setting resembles a more eclectic sci-fi world, complete with rest stops along an intergalactic highway. Within this universe, Kara celebrates her birthday, feeling at home despite the absence of her superpowers away from a yellow sun. Yet, circumstances compel her into action when a tragedy unfolds.

The plot involves a young girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll, played by Eve Ridley, who seeks revenge for her family’s death at the hands of space pirates known as the Brigands. Kara, reluctant at first, finds the motivation to act when the pirate leader Krem poisons Krypto. This storyline, inspired by the ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ comic series, draws from classic Western films, positioning Kara as a vengeful, strong-willed protagonist, much like John Wayne in ‘True Grit.’

Despite the film’s attempt at fresh superhero storytelling, some elements fall short. Ruthye’s single-minded pursuit of vengeance offers little levity, while Jason Momoa’s character, Lobo, might come across as over-the-top with his dramatic appearance and actions. Matthias Schoenaerts plays Krem with a menacing charm, yet the character fails to stand out against Kara’s intensity and Alcock’s strong performance.

Echoes of ‘Mad Max’ are present in the film’s aesthetic, with biker-gang motifs and plot points around male dominance. Yet ‘Supergirl’ seeks new ground in the superhero genre, weaving in alternative music choices like Modest Mouse and Jenny Lewis. Gillespie’s use of IMAX cameras provides dynamic visuals, although the film occasionally lacks the pacing needed to fully captivate audiences.

Alcock strives to elevate ‘Supergirl,’ yet is hindered by a supporting cast and narrative that can’t quite match her vigor. ‘Supergirl’ will be released in theaters, rated PG-13 for sequences involving strong violence and language, with a runtime of 107 minutes. The film earns a modest two and a half stars out of four, offering an interesting, if slightly flawed, addition to the superhero genre.