Jason Momoa and Matthias Shoenaerts Steal Show in Supergirl!

Let’s dive right in shall we!  This is not the first time we are seeing the DC comic franchise dedicate space to Supergirl.  Created in comics by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, this character made her first appearance in Action Comics in May of 1959.  My introduction to her was in the 1984 film “Supergirl” starring Helen Slater and most recently Sasha Calle in the rebooted “Superman” flick in 2024.

Now, in 1958, Jimmy Olson uses a magic totem to wish a “Super-Girl” into existence as a companion and helper for Superman. However, the two frequently get in each other’s way until she is fatally injured protecting Superman from a Kryptonite meteor that a criminal has dropped towards him. At her insistence, Jimmy wishes the dying girl out of existence. DC Comics used this story to gauge public response to the concept of a completely new female counterpart to Superman. In the original issue, she has blonde hair and her costume is blue and red like Superman’s.  Now that we have that out of the way let’s flip it to the present.

In the new DC Cinematic Universe, “Supergirl” reveals the origin of the interplanetary nomad Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, cousin of Kal-El, better known as Superman. Headstrong, worldly-wise, and often reckless, Supergirl exudes a brand of heroism all her own, truthful, relatable, and always on her own terms. But when an unexpected and ruthless adversary (Super Villain Krem played by Matthias Schoenaerts) strikes too close to home, Kara reluctantly joins forces with Ruthye (Eve Ridley) and together they
undertake an epic journey, struggling to balance one’s need for vengeance with the pursuit of justice—and to save the life of Kara’s best friend, her dog Krypto. Ultimately Supergirl will prove that doing good can be tough… and it doesn’t always have to be nice.

It was nice to witness the origin story of this character and be introduced to the fact that Krypto is really her dog – no Superman’s.  Anyone who has had a furry best friend will get all the feels regarding the “John Wick” of it all with Kara Zor El aka Supergirl. Once the action kicked in and Jason Momoa’s Lobo hit the screen, I was fully invested as the pacing up until that point grossly suffered.  Momoa, along with Schoenaerts take up space in the best way possible stealing the film from its young star Milly Alcock in the title role. Both men are diabolically delicious with the best lines ever!

Although, I appreciated Alcock’s tough exterior, giving zero f*&ks attitude in her portrayal, it just wasn’t enough for you to be invested  more than the supporting cast she shares the screen with.  Even her kinship and girl power to protect those who can’t protect themselves in regards to Ruthye is admirable.  I fully onboard with them not being enemies and not fighting against one another, but if I’m being honest, the whole premise of that element falls a little flat and is giving more white savior syndrome that girl power.  I was also confused as to why the franchise would introduce Sasha Calle as Supergirl in “The Flash,” giving her an updated look and feel, only to revert back to the original blonde hair and blue eyes.  Is it because “The Flash” was mired in controversy and told from a Latino gaze that the DC franchise just wants us to forget that chapter altogether?

What I did relate to was Kara telling Ruthye to use her life as her revenge while they both transformed their grief and pain into purpose. That was a line a moment I could resonate with in more ways than one could ever imagine.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl has some tender  moments that will sear your heart a time or two,  but for the most part is just an satisfactory piece of cinema and not the blockbuster one might be hoping to experience.