Supergirl Movie Reviews: Milly Alcock Shines but Film Falls Short

Milly Alcock nails it. Not bad. Critics are split, but most agree her dynamic portrayal of Supergirl is the film's one true redeeming quality, despite being surrounded by a chaotic, albeit action-packed, narrative that struggles to find its footing amidst a plethora of potentials and pitfalls.

You'll notice the film's premise is pretty cool. It's about Kara Zor-El. The real feel of her journey is intense. For every strong part, they've got a weaker one, it's like the movie is torn in two. The film follows Kara Zor-El on a mission to save Krypto, which is worth mentioning. It's got enough to keep you watching, of course.

"Where the DCU is concerned, I’m here for James Gunn’s universe. I’ve liked what’s gone into it so far and I loved Milly Alcock’s first appearance as Kara in her cameo in Superman. I think this version of Supergirl is a blast and her solo outing didn’t do anything to change my mind on that front. But this is also where Supergirl starts to become a tale of two movies. For everything that the movie does right, that thing’s got an alter ego that’s doing it wrong. So the movie is this shuffling, few-steps-forward, few-steps-back kind of slog that never really finds a rhythm."

Critic

Milly Alcock's Performance Saves the Otherwise Forgettable Supergirl

You'll notice Supergirl is a tough sell. It's honest. The film has to please DCU fans. We've seen this before. For Supergirl, it's key to stand out. Despite James Gunn's vision, the movie falls short. It's not bad, just very middle-of-the-road, which is a shame, given the potential for a crossover with other DC characters, and with Milly Alcock shining in her role, it's worth mentioning that the film's inability to elevate its storytelling is a major letdown.

"The once-logical next step after Superman is now arriving in theaters with heavy baggage. Along with the usual scrutiny from the misogynistic culture war that almost every female-led comic book film has attracted, this also bears the burden of proving to audiences that the DCU is a viable franchise. Unfortunately, despite Gunn and Safran’s promise of a director-driven, character-first approach (in opposition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “house style”), Supergirl suffers from the same blandness that has plagued so many middle-of-the-road superhero movies. Honestly, it may be watchable, but between a fantastic leading performance from Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon, Netflix’s Sirens) and the beloved source material, the unrealized greatness is what hurts this DC adaptation the most."

Critic

It's a letdown. The film falls short. You'll notice they've wasted Milly Alcock's talent. In a key role, she shines, for sure. So the movie had potential, with a fresh take, but it's honestly more of the same old stuff, and that's worth mentioning, given the overuse of CGI, which they've clearly relied on too heavily, it's the real feel that's missing, we've seen this crossover of effects before, and it doesn't quite work here.

"Supergirl is altogether a mess. It feels like a rushed production whose strong characters could have carried a better film with equally interesting villains, a better-developed script, and any amount of authenticity in its visuals. Supergirl doesn’t need comparisons to Superman; they’re different kinds of movies attempting to do different things with their characters and action, but it’s impossible not to recall how beautifully colorful and well-scored that movie was, and how well developed all of the characters were, when judging how this spinoff and second building block in a supposed cinematic universe fares. Supergirl could be much worse; Milly Alcock single-handedly ensures that it isn’t, but it deserves to be much better, too."

Critic

Alcock's Supergirl Elevates a Flawed Flight

Milly Alcock nails it. You'll see her make Supergirl feel fresh. The film, though, is a different story. It's lacking the real feel of Superman, which had honesty in its storytelling, making it worth mentioning, with key elements that set it apart, for a crossover that we've all been waiting to see, it's just not there, which is a shame, because with a bit more crossover, it could have been something special.

"While last year’s Superman was a promising refresh that felt invested in the uniqueness of its character, Supergirl plays like the same kind of anonymous, VFX-packed blockbuster that failed to attract audiences to The Flash and Black Adam. Everything that’s unique about the character gets sanded down into its blandest form, and director Craig Gillespie can only echo far better blockbusters rather than give the Woman of Tomorrow a picture of her own."

Critic

It's got style. Director Craig Gillespie is the key. He brings a swagger, you'll notice it. The film goes for grunge, not the usual superhero polish. That's a nice touch. The action is generic, though. Humor falls flat, too.

"Beneath the grime and personality lurk the usual familiar beats, franchise obligations and CGI-laden set pieces. Supergirl rarely rises above the genre’s limitations, but it has enough character to avoid sinking into mediocrity. Gillespie brings the same swagger that ruled Cruella (2021), embracing grunge over superhero slickness. The film won’t blow your mind, but it is a rough-around-the-edges adventure with heart."

Critic

Alcock's Charm Can't Save This Mess

It's a fun ride. Supergirl will do okay at the box office. You'll get it, even with limited DCU knowledge, for a few key reasons, including the simple storyline that makes it easy to jump in with Milly Alcock.

"It might very well be a winner at the box office, and it thankfully doesn’t require that much homework in order to follow. But that doesn’t mean that this noisy and unimaginative picture, powered by little else than merely passable action sequences, flat humor, and a collection of slimy inter-galactical characters with fangs, fins, and numerous eyes around their oddly-shaped noggins, is any less headache-inducing."

Critic

It's short. The film is 1 hour and 48 minutes. You'll notice it moves fast. Supergirl shines with Milly Alcock. For a few moments, it's the real feel. We've seen it work, but they've made it fleeting, which is key, with Supergirl not quite hitting the mark.

"Fortunately, with a crisp run-time of an hour and 48 minutes, the film moves fast enough that the bumpy parts are already in the rearview before you can dwell on them too much. Supergirl is her own unique character with her own vibe, and when the movie fully embraces that, it soars."

Critic

Verdict

Milly Alcock shines. You'll love her. The film has flaws. It's a must-watch for Supergirl fans, with the action moving quickly, and some brilliant moments, though it feels like a key chance was missed to make a big impact in the DCU, which is worth mentioning, and it's an enjoyable watch, for sure, even if it's not the most memorable superhero movie out there.