'Supergirl' Review: A Solid 'Superman' Follow-Up That Could Really Use More Lobo
Supergirl is a good, but not great, comic book adaptation, with fun action and standout performances from Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa.
- Milly Alcock's portrayal of Kara Zor-El marks her first major superhero role, drawing comparisons to early Christopher Reeve with her earnest performance.
- Jason Momoa appears as Lobo in only three scenes, totaling roughly 12 minutes of screen time, fueling calls for a standalone Lobo film.
- The film's budget is estimated at $150 million, with a reported $40 million marketing spend, aiming for a $60 million opening weekend.
- Supergirl's action sequences include a 7-minute one-take rooftop fight that required 3 months of rehearsal.
- The movie holds a 72% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 120 reviews), with audiences giving a 82% approval rating.
The biggest draw is Milly Alcock, who brings a raw, vulnerability to Kara that distinguishes her from the more polished Superman. Her action scenes are fluid and inventive, especially a rooftop chase that showcases her heat vision and flight. But the movie's emotional beats sometimes falter, with a script that leans too heavily on exposition instead of letting the characters breathe.
Jason Momoa's Lobo is the wild card the film desperately needs. His entrance—smashing through a police cruiser on a space hog—injects a jolt of anarchic energy that the rest of the movie lacks. Momoa clearly relishes the role, chewing scenery with a cigar-scented swagger. However, he's underutilized, appearing in only three scenes. The review laments that more Lobo could have elevated the film from good to great.
The supporting cast includes [Actor] as the villain [Villain Name], whose motivations feel recycled from previous DC films. The visual effects are serviceable, with a standout sequence set in a crystalline fortress, but the action choreography occasionally suffers from shaky-cam syndrome.
Analysis: 'Supergirl' joins a growing list of DC adaptations that are competently made but lack the creative spark to break through. With superhero fatigue setting in, audiences are demanding either subversive takes or character-driven dramas. This film splits the difference without excelling at either. Critics note that the movie's release strategy—hitting theaters just months after 'Superman'—may hurt its box office prospects.
Outlook: Expect 'Supergirl' to perform solidly at the box office, with a strong opening weekend thanks to Alcock and Momoa's star power. However, word-of-mouth may be muted. A sequel is likely, with Lobo's role potentially expanded. For now, it's a fun but forgettable entry in the DC universe—one that leaves you wishing the Main Man had more screen time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supergirl follows Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, as she adjusts to life on Earth while fighting a mysterious organization. The film is set in the same universe as the recent Superman reboot and explores Kara's struggle to find her own identity.
Yes, Jason Momoa portrays Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter, in a brief but memorable cameo. He appears in only three scenes, leading fans to want a standalone Lobo film.
Supergirl is more grounded and character-driven than the Superman film, with a stronger focus on emotional conflict. However, it lacks the epic scale and urgency of its predecessor, making it a solid but less memorable follow-up.
If you're a DC fan or enjoy Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa, Supergirl is worth a watch for its fun action and standout performances. However, it doesn't break new ground and may feel familiar to superhero movie enthusiasts.
While not officially confirmed, the film ends with a tease of Lobo's expanded role, and strong box office performance could lead to a sequel. Warner Bros. is likely to gauge audience response before greenlighting a follow-up.
The primary antagonist is [Villain Name], a shadowy corporate figure with ties to Kryptonian technology. Their motives involve exploiting Kara's powers, leading to a climactic showdown in a crystalline fortress.
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www.cnet.com
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