Supergirl delivers solid character work but falls short of greatness

James Gunn's Supergirl has a promising lead in Milly Alcock, who delivers a compelling performance that anchors the film despite its significant flaws. The actress brings genuine emotional depth to her character, making audiences care about her origin story more than the villain's setup. However, strong character work cannot overcome the movie's structural problems and underdeveloped antagonist.

A Villain That Falls Flat

The film's biggest weakness is its main antagonist. The villain feels more like a side character elevated to primary status, a supporting player without the gravitas or motivation needed to carry the film. Actor Matasias Schuard gives what appears to be both a poorly written and poorly performed character that fails to intimidate or engage viewers. The character's strength is never properly explained, and his role feels undercooked for someone supposed to be the central threat.

Finding Its Own Voice

Surprisingly, Supergirl avoids becoming a carbon copy of Guardians of the Galaxy, despite initial concerns. The film has its own identity and tone, which is commendable. However, the humor mostly lands flat, and action sequences become repetitive as the film progresses. The emotional beats work when the story leans into character development rather than spectacle.

A Brief Runtime That Needed More

At just one hour and 45 minutes, the film feels rushed. There's potential for deeper storytelling and world-building that remains unexplored. The Kryptonian mythology actually surpasses what was established in the Superman films, suggesting stronger material was available but cut short by time constraints.

Ultimately Forgettable

While Supergirl has moments worth enjoying, particularly in character interactions and emotional scenes, it fails to leave a lasting impression. The film works better than some recent DC offerings like Masters of the Universe, but that's a low bar. The chemistry between characters keeps scenes engaging, and Alcock's performance proves she could anchor a better film. However, the movie's clunkiness and structural issues make it unmemorable. It's a decent enough watch that won't ruin your day, but you likely won't remember much about it by next week. For a superhero film with a substantial budget, that's disappointing.