Review of ‘Supergirl’: A Punk-Rock Approach to Superhero Cinema

Last year’s “Superman” concluded with Iggy Pop singing “Because I’m a punk rocker, yes I am.” This ironic touch suited the film’s traditional hero but resonates more accurately with Superman’s cousin.

Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl, brings a fresh vibe to superhero characters. Dressed in a Blondie T-shirt rather than a spandex suit, she is depicted as more akin to Courtney Love than Clark Kent. Nonchalant and sarcastic, Kara embodies a Han Solo-like attitude. She traverses the galaxy in her run-down spaceship, engaging in bar fights across extraterrestrial venues. Alcock delivers an impressive performance, adding an edgy twist to the typical superhero persona.

However, “Supergirl” struggles to maintain the same lively energy throughout. Despite being the second DC release under James Gunn’s management, the film misses matching Kara’s punk-rock vitality with its supporting cast and storyline.

There was skepticism surrounding “Supergirl” before its release, with some fans uncertain if it was the right direction for the DC Universe. Alcock’s cameo in “Superman” received praise, making her role in this follow-up seem like a logical choice—especially with her loyal floating dog, Krypto.

“Supergirl” predominantly takes place in space, allowing for creative production elements and clever musical selections. The movie aligns closer in style to Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, filled with cosmic debris, mean characters, and cute creatures. Seth Rogen lends his voice to a tiny alien co-piloting a space bus, adding humor and charm.

Despite Kara’s desire to avoid the superhero spotlight, circumstances force her into action. Ruthye Marye Knoll, portrayed by Eve Ridley, seeks revenge for her family’s death at the hands of space pirates called the Brigands. Kara hesitantly agrees to help when Krem, the Brigand leader played by Matthias Schoenaerts, poisons Krypto. Kara embarks on a mission to retrieve the antidote held by Krem.

The storyline, adapted from the comic series “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” offers a familiar narrative angle akin to Westerns, where Kara plays the hired-gun role reminiscent of John Wayne in “True Grit.” Flashbacks to Krypton inform Kara’s journey to superhero maturity, unveiling her underlying pain.

Some supporting characters fall short, however. Ruthye’s relentless quest for revenge lacks depth, while Jason Momoa’s bounty hunter, Lobo, feels excessive for a film featuring a flying dog. Schoenaerts carries the part of Krem with menacing charm, but lacks definitive character intrigue.

The film’s metallic details and biker-gang aesthetics echo “Mad Max,” but “Supergirl” attempts to pioneer new paths in superhero cinema. With music from Modest Mouse and Jenny Lewis, the film seeks innovation.

Craig Gillespie, known for directing “I, Tonya” and “Dumb Money,” uses IMAX cameras effectively, though the movie’s energy falls short. Alcock tries to uphold “Supergirl,” but many elements surrounding her fail to live up to expectations.

Ultimately, the omission of the dog might be an oversight. Much like John Wayne’s horse, Krypto could have provided the needed balance.

“Supergirl,” released by Warner Bros, is rated PG-13 for strong violence, action, language, and smoking. Running time: 107 minutes. Rating: Two and a half stars out of four.