The initial responses to DC Studios’ Supergirl have begun to pour in, and while there’s been a mix of positive and negative reviews, it seems one thing is unanimous in the early reviews: Early praise is going to Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El and Lobo’s debut performance by Jason Momoa.
Supergirl is the next big chapter in DC Studios’ new era after the success of Superman, directed by Craig Gillespie. Alcock plays Kara Zor-El and takes her beloved dog Krypto on the adventure, with Momoa adding the popular antihero Lobo to the franchise.
While the majority have been favorable, there have been others who have cited the film as being uneven at best, resulting in a more mixed reaction than the one that greeted Superman.
The Performance has garnered widespread praise from Milly Alcock.
One of the more popular topics in the initial reactions is the comment on Alcock’s acting for Kara.
Some critics noted that she gives emotional depth to her character, especially in the scenes where she deals with her own personal issues and the tragic events of her life.
Milly Alcock “owns the role,” and “is going to change our idea of Supergirl forever,” wrote Den of Geek, while the site labeled the film “a straightforward, poignant story with lots of emotion.
The Direct called her “a Kryptonian powerhouse and the perfect Kara Zor-El”, and That Hollywood Show said that “#Supergirl SOARS! Milly Alcock is the perfect Kara.”
Total Film’s Fay Watson also applauded the actress, stating that Alcock was “perfect…funny, heartfelt and unbelievably drunk.
Jason Momoa’s Lobo Leaves an Impression
Jason Momoa’s much-anticipated debut as Lobo has seemed to please many of the viewers.
While others would have liked to see more of the actor on screen, several critics said he was an ideal fit for the role.
Who Let Us Out chimed in at that point, “Jason Momoa’s Lobo is an absolute scene-stealer. He was born to play this role!”
ComicBook.com’s expert revealed that Momoa was “having the fraggin’ time of his life” and Erik Davis compared Supergirl to a mix of “the underdog rock n’ roll attitude of Guardians of the Galaxy” and Mad Max’s “grimy ruthlessness.”
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A Different Tone From Superman
Perhaps the most unexpected thing for many critics was the tone of the film.
Several reviewers noted that Supergirl is quite grim and gritty for an adolescent superhero, and has been repeatedly likened to Mad Max.
“SUPERGIRL is not at all what I was expecting,” said Mike Ryan, “it looks and plays more like a Mad Max movie, dirty worlds, gross villains and a self destructive hero.
The AU Review commented on the “surprisingly dark themes” and “MAD MAX vibes” the film provides.
Others have likened it to a mash up of Guardians of the Galaxy and Mad Max, calling it an intergalactic road trip, but with a bit more emotional heft.
“If you threw [Guardians of the Galaxy], True Grit, and Mad Max into a DC blender, you’d get Supergirl — a grimy, funny, yet surprisingly somber space adventure,” said Chris Killian.
Several critics have labeled the movie a “mixed bag.
Several critics noted that the picturesque narrative was lacking in other aspects while others lauded the cast and drama.
Discussing Film stated that “Milly Alcock steps into the role of #SUPERGIRL wonderfully and it’s refreshing to root for a heroine with a unique hard edge. Unfortunately the film around her takes far too long to step into gear and never quite matches her energy.”
Mama’s Geeky said, “Unfortunately Supergirl is a mixed bag for me. As a fan of the comic, I was (perhaps) overly excited for the film adaptation. While Jason Momoa’s Lobo & Milly Alcock shine, some adaptation choices and a bland villain keep it from greatness. It’s, simply put, just fine”
Nerd Reactor’s John Nguyen was not too pleased either, describing Supergirl as feeling “bland” and wishing for “strong material.”
There were some reactions that all but the finest of comic book collectors could miss that included appearances by David Corenswet as Superman.
That Hollywood Show also raved about the scenes with Superman: “The scenes with Clark are priceless.”
Early consensus and strong performances.
Early reactions to Supergirl have been mixed, though it seems its success was largely due to the casting.
The film is proving to be a popular addition to the ever-expanding DC Universe and Alcock’s interpretation of Kara Zor-El is getting plenty of praise, while Momoa’s Lobo is already a fan favorite.
It’s yet to be seen if audiences will wholeheartedly accept the film in the same way that they have accepted Superman, but the initial reaction suggest that Supergirl is coming with a lot of momentum behind it as it approaches its theatrical release.
