Supergirl: Punk-Rock Energy in a Space Adventure
The latest installment in the DC Universe, Supergirl, offers a refreshing take on the superhero genre. Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, brings a punk rock edge to the character. Unlike typical superheroes, Kara doesn’t wear a spandex suit, but a Blondie T-shirt, exuding a nonchalant and sarcastic demeanor reminiscent of icons like Courtney Love and Han Solo.
Kara’s Unique Journey
In Craig Gillespie’s film, Kara embarks on an interstellar adventure in a ramshackle spaceship, engaging in barroom brawls across the galaxy. Her character is a welcome departure from the more traditional, buttoned-up superheroes. Milly Alcock delivers a standout performance, though the film struggles to match her punk-rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story.
Skepticism surrounded Supergirl before its release, with questions about its fit in the DCU. Yet, Alcock’s memorable cameo in Superman made handing the follow-up to her and her loyal dog, Krypto, a natural progression. Interestingly, much of the film unfolds in space, with only brief moments set on Earth. The production design, clever music choices, and underdog theme align closer to Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy than other DC films.
The Storyline
The plot, inspired by the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, may not be groundbreaking, but it provides a solid framework—a space Western of sorts. Kara reluctantly becomes a hero when a young girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll (played by Eve Ridley), asks for help after her family is killed by space pirates. Though Kara hesitates, she’s drawn into action when the pirate leader, Krem, poisons her dog Krypto.
Supporting Characters and Visuals
Some of Kara’s companions fall short in comparison. Ruthye’s focus on revenge lacks fun, and Jason Momoa’s Lobo, a bounty hunter on a space motorcycle, feels over-the-top. Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem, with his studded face, delivers an intriguing performance in a movie filled with visual quirks that remind viewers of Mad Max.
Director Gillespie uses IMAX cameras to enhance the film’s spectacle, but the movie doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. Alcock does her best to keep Supergirl engaging, yet the story sometimes falters, surrounded by an uninspiring supporting cast. Perhaps, more emphasis on her bond with Krypto could have elevated the narrative.
Supergirl, released by Warner Bros., premieres in theaters with a PG-13 rating due to sequences of strong violence, action, language, and smoking. The film runs for 107 minutes and rates two and a half stars out of four.