Supergirl Movie Review

Caitlyn Woodbury

caitlyn.gabsbitesizeblogs@gmail.com

Hello again everyone!

Last week my blog was an introduction on the character of Supergirl. Well, I have FINALLY watched the movie (I watched it 4 days after it came out, which was 4 days too long in my opinion) and I wanted to write my review about it.

This is the first time that I have read a comic BEFORE seeing the movie, so my experience was something completely new to me, and did affect how I watched the film. However, it did not make me enjoy it any less.

As a stand-alone film, disregarding the comic it was adapted from, it was a very fun film. It followed two female main characters - Kara and Ruthye - searching across the galaxy for answers and vengeance. Even though the green screen was more obvious (and therefore less appealing) at times, I feel as though it can be forgiven for other aspects. It contained moments of laughter, sadness and inspiration. The acting was absolutely incredible, especially in the darker moments as you began to feel the grief through the screen. In true James Gunn fashion, the film was rife with brilliant rock songs, of which a high percentage were from female artists! I also noticed songs from Wet Leg and Wolf Alice - both of whom were on SNL UK season 1 (a show me and our CEO are huge fans of). From the very beginning of the movie the villain is clear, and his lack of mercy is immediately apparent, raising the stakes for our young heroes.

A part of the film that really stuck out to me was a message from Kara’s mother. She tells her daughter to always be good. You don’t have to be nice, you should still be tough, but you should always be good. I feel as though that’s such an important message for young girls, as we are always taught to be nice and polite to those around us. Don’t get me wrong, they are very important traits, but the idea of being both tough and good at the same time is sort of alien to many people. Being told that the two can actually work hand in hand and then seeing that on the screen will hopefully send a message to all the girls across the world that being nice is not weak and being tough and strong does not mean you are not good.

Another key character in this movie was Lobo. He was entertaining to watch but just felt unnecessary at times. Rather than being an addition to the story, he was just there, most likely to avoid alienating male fans. I do have to hand it to Lobo though; he gave me my new favourite word “barstich”. I think you can guess what two words are smushed together there, but it’s a good gender-neutral alternative (even hunters can be woke).

Now, as an adaptation…it was different. The original comic involved Kara and Ruthye going across multiple planets and meeting many different species. The comic had such beautiful art and a gorgeous colour scheme. Whilst I know it is difficult to replicate that on screen, it was disappointing to see a more bland colour scheme here. Krem’s role and design was also slightly different, but not too much that it impacted the story. A small section of the comic explored how all the “purples” on a planet were slaughtered by the “blues” who believed they were superior. I felt as though this was an extremely important sub-plot, especially with current events, so was disappointed to see this removed.

Another big difference I found was Supergirl herself, but this is a difference that can be explained very easily. In the book, she is known throughout the galaxy as a symbol of hope and kindness. She was more impatient, whilst still having that edge and anger. A key part of the comic is how she begins hopeful but is worn down by the destruction and cruelty that she sees on the planets, which leads to her actions in the final battle.

That was a Kara who had been on Earth and had been Supergirl for 7 years, having learnt the lessons that movie Kara is yet to learn. In Superman 2025 it is established that Clark became Superman 3 years ago, and we see Kara land on Earth to be greeted by Superman at his Fortress of Solitude. Therefore, she has only been Supergirl for no more than 3 years and is still newly carrying the grief of her family and her planet. So, an angrier and more impatient Kara is expected right now, and the start of her development was seen throughout the movie with the help of Ruthye.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable movie. Part of me wishes I had not read the comic beforehand so that I could just enjoy the movie as it was, but I do like that I had no advantage over other viewers, as we were all discovering the plot at the same time. The merch buying has already started with a tote bag, and I am sure it will continue. I am very excited to see where Kara Zor-El will go next!