Supergirl, the latest DC Universe film, has critics drawing comparisons to both Guardians of the Galaxy and Mad Max, but one reviewer argues it feels more like a lost Star Wars movie. With its abundance of weird-headed aliens and two full cantina scenes, the film evokes a galaxy far, far away.
A Galactic Birthday and a Quest for Vengeance
The story follows Kara Zor-El, played by Milly Alcock, on her 23rd birthday as she indulges in a planet-hopping pub crawl. She prefers red-sun planets, which strip her of superpowers and allow her to get drunk. On yellow-sun planets like Earth, she becomes a female Superman. The script by Ana Nogueira playfully addresses why she isn't called Superwoman.
Kara's carefree existence is interrupted by Ruthye, a 13-year-old girl seeking vengeance for her murdered family. Initially disinterested, Kara is motivated when an arrow poisons her space dog Krypto, prompting a John Wick-style pursuit of the villain Krem, played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
Villains and Sidekicks
Krem, whose name evokes a Malaysian instrument or a Spokane TV station, is a one-dimensional villain with no redeeming qualities. He speaks in a squeaky mocking tone and revels in nastiness. Lobo, played by Jason Momoa, offers a more nuanced Han Solo-like character, but the primary antagonist lacks depth.
Kara and Ruthye, portrayed by Eve Ridley, team up to track Krem across the universe. Director Craig Gillespie, known for Lars and the Real Girl and I Tonya, provides backstory including Supergirl's arrival on Earth and Krypton's destruction. However, his inexperience with superhero films shows in choppy action sequences.
Action and Music
The action setpieces are so disjointed as to be nearly unwatchable, with Gillespie occasionally resorting to slow motion and awkward needle drops, such as a cover of Jimmy Eat World's The Middle. This adds to the Guardians of the Galaxy vibe but detracts from coherence.
Despite these flaws, Alcock excels as a sloppy, unwilling hero, and the studio resists glamorizing her. The film runs a modest 107 minutes and, while thin and scattered, offers a fun if imperfect adventure. Supergirl opens June 26 in theatres and earns 3 out of 5 stars.
