A Review of ‘Supergirl’: A Cosmic Adventure with Punk-Rock Spirit

Last year’s “Superman” concluded with Iggy Pop singing, “Because I’m a punk rocker, yes I am,” an ironic note for the traditionally square Superman. However, this sentiment feels apt for his cousin.

Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl, presents an intriguing contrast. Her choice of a Blondie T-shirt instead of a spandex suit sets the tone. Kara appears more like Courtney Love than Clark Kent, having embarked on a days-long interstellar escapade. She exhibits a nonchalant and sarcastic demeanor, reminiscent of Han Solo, navigating the galaxy in her shabby spaceship and engaging in bar brawls on alien planets.

Kara stands as a refreshing departure from conventional superheroes, and Alcock delivers an outstanding performance. However, the film “Supergirl” fails to fully capture her punk-rock energy through its supporting cast and storyline. While the movie offers moments under James Gunn’s guidance, it often struggles to maintain the lively spirit.

In scenes from the film featuring Alcock and Matthias Schoenaerts, skepticism seems prevalent ahead of the movie’s release. Some fans questioned if “Supergirl” was the right step for the DCU. Nonetheless, Alcock’s brief yet memorable appearance in “Superman” proved impactful, making her transition to a leading role alongside her loyal dog Krypto feel seamless.

Set largely in space, “Supergirl” occasionally visits Earth. The movie’s production design and clever music choices echo elements of Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The cosmic realm is filled with debris, quirky characters, and cute creatures. One standout is Seth Rogen as the voice of a small alien co-piloting a space bus, enhancing the film’s unique quality.

Kara, celebrating her 23rd birthday while intoxicated, prefers these settings despite her powers being inactive due to the distance from a yellow sun. Despite her desire to remain uninvolved, Kara ultimately finds herself drawn into action by the plight of Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley). Ruthye enlists Kara’s help for vengeance against the Brigands, a group of space pirates responsible for her family’s death.

Kara is initially reluctant, but events take a turn when the Brigand leader, Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts), poisons Krypto. Driven by the need to obtain the antidote, Kara pursues Krem, who keeps it around his neck.

The storyline, inspired by the “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic-book series and penned by Ana Nogueira, may not be groundbreaking. Nonetheless, it serves as a solid framework—a Western, with Kara in a hired-gun role akin to John Wayne in “True Grit.” The narrative leads Kara to a path of maturation, with flashbacks to Krypton unveiling the origins of her internal struggles.

However, some companions in the film fall short. Ruthye’s serious quest for revenge dampens her engagement. Jason Momoa’s portrayal of bounty hunter Lobo, with his space motorcycle, seems excessive. Schoenaerts infuses Krem with menace, compellingly using his eyes and a distinctive studded face.

The movie evokes elements of “Mad Max,” with its biker-gang aesthetic and plot involving female captives. Yet, “Supergirl” strives for innovation in the superhero genre. The soundtrack features Modest Mouse and Jenny Lewis, enhancing the film’s originality.

Director Craig Gillespie, known for “I, Tonya” and “Dumb Money,” effectively employs IMAX cameras, though his management of the content lacks assurance. Alcock does her utmost to uplift “Supergirl,” albeit hampered by certain elements, primarily male-centric ones, surrounding her.

Perhaps the film’s error was sidelining the dog. After all, John Wayne had his horse. “Supergirl,” released by Warner Bros., debuts in theaters Friday. It holds a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association for sequences of strong violence, language, action, and smoking. The film runs for 107 minutes and receives a rating of two and a half stars out of four.