The new DC Universe’s sophomore movie outing sees only a second solo big screen adventure for the titular heroine after the colossal calamity that was the 1984 flick. Milly Alcock plays Kara Zor-El , aka Supergirl , and joins forces with unlikely companion Ruthye (Eve Ridley) on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. I, Tonya and Cruella director Craig Gillespie was an interesting choice behind the camera but there isn’t much on show here to differentiate the Australian from the comic-book movie output of
many other directors. That’s due to the fact Supergirl is generic fare that doesn’t live long in the memory. Alcock is in no way responsible for this, mind you. The House of the Dragon star epitomises everything a modern heroine should be. Kara is independent, questions her every move and refuses to adhere to the life mapped out for her by her famous Kryptonian cousin without at least treading her own path first. When she takes to the air it’s genuinely thrilling and Ruthye’s naive,
headstrong quest for revenge plunges Kara into many a tight spot. Former Aquaman Jason Momoa lights up every scene he’s in – sometimes literally – as brutish bounty hunter Lobo . Matthias Schoenaerts’ Krem is undoubtedly the type of one-note villain that used to give comic-book movies a bad name, however he is blessed with an intimidating appearance and erratic movements. He doesn’t come across like a true threat, though, and there’s rarely a moment when you feel Kara is in genuine peril, despite nods
to human trafficking and a dog at death’s door. Mad Max: Fury Road is an obvious influence (kidnapped “wives”, a sandstorm dust-up) and much of Supergirl is shot using dusty, grimy colours that rob the film of an inviting, otherworldly aesthetic. Supergirl doesn’t soar like it should – and fails its impressive leading lady – but lets not write off the DC Universe just yet; after all, there were a few early bumps on the road over at the MCU too. ● Are you interested
in what is to come from the DC Universe? Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers. ● Supergirl is showing in cinemas now. *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
Supergirl review, DC Universe, Milly Alcock, Kara Zor-El, Eve Ridley, Craig Gillespie, Jason Momoa, Lobo, Matthias Schoenaerts, Krem, DC movies
So it’s generic? Cool cool, guess I’ll just watch the older stuff then.
I don’t get the “in genuine peril” part like… is that even a thing with Supergirl? Also Lobo being in it sounds awesome but maybe they didn’t use him right.
Wait so Ruthye is the main character or is it Kara? The review makes it sound like vengeance and justice but then says she’s not really in danger? And I’m seeing “human trafficking” mentioned?? That’s wild for a superhero movie.
I swear every DC movie nowadays is “dusty” for some reason like they’re allergic to color. Mad Max influence?? That explains the sand part I guess. Also the director being from I, Tonya and Cruella doesn’t really mean much to me because this still sounds like it’s missing the magic. If it fails to live up to 1984 then that’s kinda on them, not the actress. I’ll probably still go see it though just for Momoa as Lobo.