‘Supergirl’ Movie Review – Is It Worth Watching?

Supergirl is a sci-fi fantasy adventure that sets the platform for Clark Kent’s cousin, Kara Zor-El. Much like James Gunn’s new Superman starring David Corenswet, this is a fairly unconventional take which transplants Supergirl into an otherworldly dimension, far from Earth.

Starting on a planet under the red sun, we come across a young girl who is just trying to self-soothe, aimlessly moving from one pub crawl to another in a part of the universe where she doesn’t have her true powers. Living with her dog, Krypto, and following a hedonistic journey of binge drinking, she is turned to a new quest when Ruthye, a girl whose family has been murdered by Krem, arrived at the pub in search of someone to help her on her quest for revenge.

Armed with a sword forged by her father, Ruthye’s quest to kill the savage warrior who left her alone becomes the driving force behind this intergalactic adventure. Supergirl is also compelled to action. Unable to deny her true and good heart, the young superhero finds herself growing more and more convinced, pursuing Krem for an antidote to save Superdog.

Milly Alcock is a refreshing choice for Supergirl, carrying a lot of spunk and a teen spirit that resonates with Axel from The Middle. Full of plucky charm and at times reminiscent of Meg Ryan, she brims with moxie and that fighting spirit – very much a girl. The different casting call reflects Supergirl’s unique flair, taking place on another planet and creating a brave new world for her to find the motivation to don the suit again.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, the script seems to have been written by people who grew up watching the likes of Mad Max, The Fifth Element, Star Wars and Highlander. The Mad Max influence is noticeable and seems to grow with time as the film mimics the post-apocalyptic wasteland and petrolhead extravaganza. Dropping part of his mask in the opening, it does seem that Krem, the main villain, was based on The Kurgan from Highlander as well as Immortan Joe from Mad Max: Fury Road – two wonderful villains with an equal dose of psychotic charm. Supergirl rallies to find Krem and attempts to save her friend’s soul in the process.

The Fifth Element aspect comes through in the sci-fi, the comedic undertone, the secret weapon, and the dirty, post-apocalyptic cyberpunk future. There are even moments that recall Die Hard, with airduct shots that make you hark back to Bruce Willis, underlining The Fifth Element contrast. The Highlander influence comes through with the villain and the swordplay, with a barrage of armoured warriors constantly trying to wreak havoc. Meanwhile, the Mad Max element is further highlighted by the capture of young virgins to propagate an all-male race.

“Call me ‘cute’ again. I dare ya.”

Having so many different races in the film is a nod to both The Fifth Element and Star Wars, and it just seems like a compendium of influential, fan-favourite movies for the filmmakers. They have a great deal of fun creating another world for Supergirl to earn her stripes and feel the call. Jam-packed with explosive action sequences, the story device around the dog is reminiscent of John Wick, giving license to go on a violent action rampage. The fight choreography is fast and furious, but not unlike many other destructive, rampage superhero meltdown films.

Intermittent scenes with Superman remind us that he’s out there, trying to get his cousin back home in the process. Krypto’s CGI is subpar but doesn’t seem to be the focus. In a film where almost every frame has some kind of CGI element, taking on a grungy, Kurt Cobain attitude, there’s a rock ‘n’ roll spirit to Supergirl, which helps compel the action and give reason for all the mayhem. There’s even a bit of The Princess Bride with the echo of the revenge quest, making this movie a bundle of influences drawn together to create something new.

While it does seem like a patchwork tapestry of other ideas, including Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall, it does enough to entertain. With an array of worlds and visual textures to keep things fresh and exciting, there may not be enough emotional connection with the leads, but Kara’s mission is altruistic, noble and relatively selfless. There could have been more connective resonance to truly get behind the co-leads but, as it stands, the plucky spirit and fun attitude, mixed with a come-what-may spirit, underpins this sci-fi actioner.

Supergirl’s a fairly relentless film that does enough to remain within the DC Comics universe but equally breaks new ground. It’s a hotchpotch of better films that ultimately does enough to justify its existence. Dark and heavy in terms of its action and themes, it’s also fairly lightweight in its ambition to keep things entertaining and upbeat.

A technically proficient world-building film with a relatively unknown cast, you can appreciate the attempt to do something new for the superhero franchise while leaning on some beloved influences in the process. It’s a smart move to debase what would have ordinarily been a typical origins story in light of superhero fatigue. While it may not be for everyone, it will be a fun ride for those who appreciate the likes of Mad Max, The Fifth Element and Star Wars.

The bottom line: Patchwork