'Supergirl' review: A flat space adventure despite strong characters
MANILA, Philippines — The new DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran may have come across its first stumble in "Supergirl" headlined by Milly Alcock.
Alcock's Kara Zor-El is different from her cousin, the hero known as Superman (David Corenswet), having memories of loved ones from their home planet Krypton who died before landing on Earth.
Instead Kara traverses planets getting drunk or playing with her dog Krypto — who is unfortunately injected with a deadly, paralytic poison by Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), leader of a group of space pirates and human traffickers.
She reluctantly accompanies young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Filipina-British actress Eve Ridley) as she seeks revenge after her family was killed by Krem.
A lot of hope was riding on "Supergirl" following news it would be an adaptation of the popular comic miniseries "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, one of the best new releases about the character.
Alcock's brief cameo in last year's "Superman" extended such optimism, even expectations that "Supergirl" would be even more in line with the "punk rock" defintion given by Corenswet's Clark Kent.
Related: 'Supergirl' actress Milly Alcock hails Fil-Brit co-star Eve Ridley
Such confidence can only go so far as director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Ana Nogueira churn out a pretty basic space adventure for the titular character.
The general public only recognizes Supergirl as Superman's cousin so this movie was an opportunity to present Kara as a strong individual in her own right despite her solemn past.
The result instead is by-the-books storytelling and often muddled editing that doesn't do justice to the sharp, edgy performance given by "House of the Dragon" star Alcock, who will no doubt get another chance to shine in other projects.
Alcock does a lot of heavylifting given the script she was handed, at the expense of repetitive themes involving her and the young Ridley.
Even Schoenaerts' villain who looks like he was rejected from any of the "Mad Max" films fails to make a menacing presence beyond textbook bad guy energy.
Corenswet gets brief scenes as Superman but never overstays his welcome, just enough to fully prove he is meant to be this generation's Man of Steel.
Related: Filipino-British actress Eve Ridley recalls bagging 'Supergirl' role
Another electric addition to the movie is Jason Momoa as the bounty hunter Lobo — who wasn't in the original comic but gives "Supergirl" some much-needed juice.
As a galactic adventure, there was an attempt for imaginative worldbuilding evidenced by the numerous aliens that show up.
Some of these creatures use practical makeup and prosthetics while others rely on digital effects, and the end result only leaves viewers wanting more.
"Supergirl" is by no means a production failure, but "Superman" posted a reasonably achievable standard of how comic book adaptations should be, thus it is quite underwhelming to see its follow-up not be up to par.
The road isn't over though as the "Clayface" movie and "Lanterns" series are next on the plate, and Kara will likely play a huge part in next year's "Man of Tomorrow" alongside her cousin.
Superhero fatigue was a concern for years following the pandemic and, for a time, was at the back of people's minds. Projects like "Supergirl" falls under that reminder.
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