Last year, Superman concluded with Iggy Pop’s lyrics, “Because I’m a punk rocker, yes I am,” serving as an ironic end-note for a notably conventional hero. This sentiment rings true for Superman’s cousin, however. Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El, or Supergirl, opts for a Blondie T-shirt over traditional spandex. In Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl, Kara embarks on an interstellar escapade, displaying more traits akin to Courtney Love than Clark Kent.
Characterized by a nonchalant and sarcastic demeanor, Kara resembles Han Solo, navigating her junky spaceship through the galaxy, engaging in skirmishes within alien bars. A welcome departure from more formally buttoned-up superheroes, Alcock excels in the role. Unfortunately, Supergirl struggles to match Kara’s punk-rock energy with an equally dynamic supporting cast and storyline. Despite being the second DC release under James Gunn’s leadership, the film falters at certain moments.
With skepticism mounting before its release, many fans questioned whether Supergirl was a suitable next step for the DCU. Yet Alcock’s breezy cameo in Superman stood as one of the movie’s highlights. Transitioning to her follow-up adventure, alongside her loyal floating dog Krypto, seems entirely natural. Occasionally, you just have to follow the dog.
Although much of Supergirl charms, the narrative primarily unfolds in outer space, briefly touching down on Earth. Through inventive production design, clever music choices, and an underdog storyline, Supergirl aligns more closely with Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy rather than other DC ventures. With cosmic junk, sinister characters, and adorable creatures, its outer space setting is creatively engaging. Seth Rogen’s voice-over role as a tiny alien co-piloting a space bus is ingenious, complemented by a gritty sci-fi universe featuring rest stops along an intergalactic highway.
Kara, celebrating her 23rd birthday in a drunken state, prefers such environments, even if it means being distanced from a yellow sun and powerless. Nonetheless, Kara remains reluctantly drawn into action. A young girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll (played by Eve Ridley), whose family is massacred by space pirates known as the Brigands, seeks Kara’s help for revenge. Though hesitant, Kara is provoked into action when their leader, Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts), poisons Krypto, forcing her to chase after the antidote around Krem’s neck.
Scripted by Ana Nogueira and inspired by Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, the storyline doesn’t overwhelm with originality. Still, it serves as a reliable vessel resembling a Western, with Kara assuming a hired-gun role similar to John Wayne in True Grit. Naturally, this journey of vengeance leads Kara towards superhero maturity, incorporating Krypton flashbacks that unveil her painful past.
Unfortunately, some companions fall short in character depth. Ruthye, solely focused on revenge, lacks fun appeal. Meanwhile, Jason Momoa’s bounty hunter, Lobo, riding a space motorcycle and resembling a Kiss cover band member, seems excessive even in a movie featuring a flying dog. Schoenaerts compellingly menaces with bulging eyes, although Krem’s dull personality pales compared to his distinctive face adorned with metallic touches.
While drawing comparisons to Mad Max with biker-gang nuances and undertones of ensnared “brides” within the all-male Brigands, Supergirl commendably aims for fresh ground in large-scale superhero narratives. The presence of artists like Modest Mouse and Jenny Lewis exemplifies a striving for uniqueness. Gillespie, known for I, Tonya and Dumb Money, utilizes IMAX cameras effectively, albeit struggling for persuasive material control.
Despite Alcock’s commendable performance striving to elevate Supergirl, insufficient support from the surrounding characters undermines the film’s vigor, primarily due to male dominance. Perhaps reintroducing the canine companion would have been beneficial, as absence often diminishes appeal. Notably, John Wayne always remained accompanied by his horse.
Supergirl, a Warner Bros. production, is set for theatrical release on Friday, rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for strong violence, action sequences, language, and depicted smoking, with a runtime of 107 minutes, earning two and a half out of four stars.