Supergirl Soars, But Doesn’t Quite Reach Gunn’s Heights
[Engaging introduction paragraph]
James Gunn’s co-chair reign at DC Studios began with a bold move: rebooting the cinematic universe with a Superman movie that reclaimed the character from Zack Snyder’s darker vision. Now, with Supergirl, the studio attempts to replicate that success, but the result is a serviceable, good-natured film that, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite reach the heights of Gunn’s previous work.
A Familiar Formula
Following up on the Superman movie by pivoting to less familiar DC characters was a smart move. Immediately rebooting Batman and Wonder Woman would have felt like rehashing old ground. Supergirl introduces fresh faces and creative teams, signaling that Gunn’s vision is replicable and the studio isn’s solely reliant on his authorship.
Director Craig Gillespie (Cruella) and writer Ana Nogueira (a playwright with several DC projects in preproduction) embrace Gunn’s signature style. From spinning-camera combat sequences to a Guardians-esque messy universe, the film aims for that familiar blend of humor and heart. While not exceptionally exciting, it’s serviceable and frequently fun, thanks largely to Milly Alcock’s performance as Supergirl.
A “True Grit” Retelling
The storyline loosely draws from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, an eight-issue arc that reimagines the character in a space opera setting. Like Charles Portis’ True Grit, the story centers on a young girl seeking vengeance, aided by a reluctant adult. In this case, teenage Ruthye (Eve Ridley) seeks to track down Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts), who murdered her family. She enlists Kara Zor-El (Alcock), aka Supergirl, who’s enjoying an interstellar pub crawl for her 23rd birthday.
Like her famous cousin, Kara gains incredible power when exposed to yellow sun radiation. However, she seeks out red-sun planets to indulge in alcohol and avoid the consequences of her actions. She becomes involved in Ruthye’s quest not only because she’s a hero at heart but also because she feels drawn to help others, despite the burden it places on her already strained psyche.
Alcock Shines
Supergirl’s saving grace is Milly Alcock. She veers between cocksure swagger and vulnerable despair, bringing depth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Alcock radiates charisma that elevates the film beyond a standard post-apocalyptic quest story.
Alcock’s performance differentiates her from countless other superheroes on screen, showcasing both Kara’s sunny foundation and the visible cracks undermining it. She brings a warmth and winning quality to the role that is sorely needed.
A Familiar Universe
Supergirl isn’t an origin story but does cover Kara’s origins, explaining her presence in Metropolis and the troubles driving her away from Earth. The intergalactic setting feels familiar from Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a chaotic blend of alien species that is affable and relatable.
This universe introduces Lobo (Jason Momoa), who isn’t well integrated into the story. He serves as an observer, seemingly included to draw in fanboys. Momoa fits the role, bringing smirking charm and weaponized-hook-on-a-chain swinging. It feels like a cosplay performance.
Cosplay or Creativity?
The biggest issue with Supergirl is that it feels like DC Studios cosplay laid over a familiar story. While the villain, sidekick, and visiting anti-hero could have benefited from more attention, the title character receives her due as a hero who’s as powerful and noble as Superman but distinctively different.
True Grit is a solid story easily reskinnable, and King and Evely’s version put a modern spin on it. Supergirl, by comparison, could have used more drafts that paid attention to the villain, sidekick, and visiting anti-hero as much as it does the title character.
A Solid Effort
Supergirl isn’t a regrettably bad outing or a downward turn for the DCU. It lacks the ambitious verve of Gunn’s Superman, but Gillespie mimics his visual style and Nogueira nails the new-DCU tone, blending humor and pathos while retaining DC’s focus on less human heroes.
While it suggests the DCU may finally have an identity of its own, that identity isn’t as startling or challenging as Superman might have suggested. Supergirl opens in wide release on June 26.
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