The new film Supergirl has left much to be desired, with its mediocre storyline and lackluster execution. The 1984 film version, starring Helen Slater, was passably diverting and perfectly inoffensive, with practical special effects and a rousing Jerry Goldsmith score. In contrast, the latest iteration, starring Milly Alcock, has been met with extensive critical pans and audience indifference.
The film's portrayal of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, is a far cry from the character's traditional representation. Instead of being a symbol of truth, justice, and the American way, Kara is presented as a disaffected twenty-something female who is more interested in barhopping and playing with her dog Krypto than in using her superpowers for good. This take on the character is not only unconvincing but also unbecoming of a franchise as American as Superman.
Alcock brings tenacity to the role, but her performance is limited by the script and direction. Her portrayal of Kara was already fully evident in her cameo in last year's Superman film, and the new movie reveals nothing new about the character. The plot, which revolves around the annihilation of a family by a gangster named Krem, is predictable and lacks the suave sophistication of classic Superman villains.
The film's action sequences are frenetic and chaotic, with Kara engaging in a series of incomprehensibly brutal fights with alien lifeforms. The stakes are low, with the fate of a single family and a cute but CGI-manufactured dog hanging in the balance. Even the character of Lobo, played by Jason Momoa, feels like a poorly conceived imitation of a classic character.
The film's climax, in which Kara finally dons the Supergirl costume and confronts Krem, is underwhelming. Despite counseling a young girl against exacting revenge, Kara proceeds to do just that in the name of her dog. The movie's conclusion feels like a cop-out, with Kara's actions undermining the character's traditional values and symbolism.
Overall, the new Supergirl film is a disappointment, with a meandering plot, poor character development, and a lack of patriotism and good cheer. It is a far cry from the classic Superman films and a misfire for the franchise.
