Supergirl's flight to the box office has been bumpy, according to early reviews. The film, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock as the titular superhero, has received a 56% 'rotten' critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 108 reviews. This score is a stark contrast to the 'fresh' reviews from some critics, who praise the film's originality and emotional depth. But what's the story behind these mixed reviews? And what does it mean for the future of the DC universe? Let's take a closer look.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film's attempt to break away from the typical superhero formula. While some critics found this refreshing, others felt it fell flat. Owen Glieberman of Variety writes, 'Kill Krem! Save the dog! Those are the motivations driving the entire not-even-interesting-enough-to-be-convoluted plot of Supergirl. Maybe that's why the movie is full of action yet numbingly flat.' This suggests that the film's lack of originality and grandeur may be its downfall.
In contrast, Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence gives the film a 'fresh' score, praising its risk-taking moments. She writes, 'When Supergirl takes big risks, they tend to pay off. There aren't enough of those moments, though.' This highlights the tension between innovation and familiarity in superhero films.
The film's director, Craig Gillespie, has a history of working with films about spirited, rule-breaking women, such as I, Tonya and Cruella. However, some critics argue that the film fails to find emotional depth in the relationship between Kara and Ruthye. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter writes, 'Given Gillespie’s history with films about spirited, rule-breaking women, the failure to find emotional depth in the sisterhood of Kara and Ruthye is notable.' This suggests that the film's attempt to break away from the typical superhero formula may have come at the cost of emotional resonance.
The film's special effects and relentlessly dark tone also received mixed reviews. Pete Hammond of Deadline writes, 'The special effects and relentlessly dark tone often get in the way of making this group rock despite the best efforts of Alcock who is a bit too quirky, playing Zor-El as somewhat reckless, headstrong, and not always put together.' This highlights the challenge of balancing visual spectacle and emotional depth in superhero films.
In conclusion, Supergirl's mixed reviews highlight the ongoing debate in the superhero genre. While some critics praise the film's originality and risk-taking, others find it lacking in emotional depth and originality. As the DC universe continues to expand, it remains to be seen whether Supergirl will find its place in the hearts of fans. But one thing is certain: the film's bumpy flight to the box office is a reminder that innovation and familiarity are a delicate balance in the world of superhero films.
