Milly Alcock brings a snarky, rough-around-the-edges Kara Zor-El to Supergirl, while excellent Dolby Vision and Atmos make the 4K release an impressive presentation.
In the world of DC Comics, Superman was introduced in 1938 and has been a staple in that universe ever since. He had an alter ego, Clark Kent, and a "girlfriend," Lois Lane, and no family to speak of (discounting Clark's adoptive parents) until 21 years later, when his cousin, Kara Zor-El (a.k.a. Supergirl), was added to the comic book. Since that time, she has appeared in comic books, on television, and in films, most notably the 1984 standalone feature film, Supergirl, that starred Helen Slater (City Slickers). This year, a new version of the Supergirl story was released in theaters this past June, and now Supergirl has become available for purchase in 4K.
Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock; House of the Dragon) is celebrating her 23rd birthday and, much to her cousin Clark's (David Corenswet; Pearl) chagrin, she is doing so "off world," getting drunk on a red-sun planet. On one such planet, she meets Ruthye (relative newcomer Eve Ridley, who makes her feature-film debut here), who is looking for someone to help her avenge her family's deaths by killing the Brigand, Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts; The Drop). Not wanting to get involved, Kara tries to ignore Ruthye but, in the end, due to Ruthye's annoying persistence, helps her by exacting revenge on Krem to try and give Ruthye some level of peace she so desperately seeks. Along the way, we learn a lot about Kara and her backstory.
Alcock is very well cast as the "good" but snarky Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. She handles the fight sequences beautifully and embodies the character with a nuanced performance. Jason Momoa (Aquaman) plays Lobo, a crazy, no-nonsense, godlike "bounty hunter" who brings violence and humor to the role. Ridley is actually rather annoying as Ruthye, and her British accent doesn't help at all. Much of the rest of the cast is fine, if forgettable.
Director Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) does a decent job with the complexities of this film. The decision to use slow motion and the song choice in one of the most pivotal fight scenes towards the end of the film was a great one, as it made a stronger impact than if it were played at normal speed. He also keeps the pacing moving along in order to hold the viewer's attention.
The Dolby Vision/HDR10 video quality on the 4K disc is excellent. The color saturation is deep and varied, especially in Supergirl's costume and cape. Details are sharp and clean, giving the overall look and feel of the film a richness that helps define each scene and character. The CGI is the only glaring defect, especially where Krypton is concerned.
The Dolby Atmos audio also has a richness brought out through the dialogue, the score, and layers of ambient sounds. Explosions and gunshots ring out from the surround speakers and echo throughout the room. Krypto's barking also has layers and reverb that make it seem authentic.
The combo pack comes with the 4K disc, the Blu-ray Disc, the digital download, and a holographic, 3D-looking case that is wrapped around the plastic on all sides. There are also approximately two hours' worth of extras, which include Flying Off the Page, Girl's Best Friend, A Practical Legacy, The DC Dream: Lobo, Showdown at Evely Square, Space Is A Bad Neighborhood, Babe, Mixtape For A Hero, The Making of Supergirl, You Are Here: A Superhero Map of the Galaxy, Krypto Saves the Day!: Coastal Catastrophe, and Deleted Scenes.
To be honest, I found Supergirl enjoyable. There are some decent fight sequences, some humor, and a badass central female character that kept things interesting throughout the almost two-hour runtime.
In today's day and age, this movie has something to offer and something to say, and holds the audience's attention. Kara Zor-El is unapologetically rough around the edges and brings a new, skewed view of this superhero to life, and I, for one, am here for it!
Grade: B
