‘Supergirl’ Early Reviews Split Fans and Critics Ahead of DC’s Big Debut
Supergirl is almost ready to arrive in theaters, but early reactions from critics show that DC Studios’ latest superhero movie is already creating debate. While many reviewers are praising Milly Alcock’s performance as Kara Zor-El and Jason Momoa’s Lobo, others feel the film does not fully reach its potential.
Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl stars Alcock as the new DC Universe version of the iconic hero. The film follows Alcock’s appearance in last summer’s Superman and also features Jason Momoa as Lobo and David Corenswet returning as Superman.
The first reactions were shared online by critics ahead of the movie’s June 26 release, with opinions ranging from strong praise to more mixed responses.
Chris Killian from ComicBook.com was among the critics who enjoyed the movie, describing it as a unique combination of different genres. He compared the film to several popular movies, saying “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.”
Killian also praised Alcock’s performance, especially when the film explores Kara’s emotional background. He also highlighted Momoa’s role as Lobo, saying the actor appears to be “having the fraggin’ time of his life.”
The critic also gave credit to the movie’s practical effects and David Corenswet’s return as Superman. According to Killian, Corenswet continues to prove he was the right choice for the role, saying he was “peak casting” and that viewers “can’t help but smile” whenever he appears.
However, not everyone was completely convinced by the film. Movie critic Tessa Smith shared a more balanced reaction, calling Supergirl a “mixed bag.” She explained that her excitement as a comic book fan may have created higher expectations.
“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,” Smith wrote.
Erik Davis also had positive things to say about the movie’s style and themes. He compared it to the adventurous energy of Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with the harsh world of Mad Max. Davis praised Alcock’s performance, saying she brings emotional depth to Kara by showing both confidence and sadness.
He also liked Momoa’s Lobo, explaining that the character appears enough to be enjoyable while still leaving audiences wanting more. Davis also agreed that Corenswet continues to be a great Superman.
Other critics were less impressed. John Nguyen from Nerd Reactor said the movie felt underwhelming, explaining that Supergirl needed stronger material to fully show what the character could do.
Meanwhile, Germain Lussier described the film as highly enjoyable but said it did not have the same impact as Superman. Still, he praised the movie’s emotional moments and the stronger relationships between its characters.
Total Film’s Fay Watson gave one of the most enthusiastic reactions, calling Supergirl the kind of superhero movie she wished she had seen when she was younger. She praised Alcock’s performance and Craig Gillespie’s direction, noting the movie has strong Mad Max influences while still creating its own identity.
Overall, early reviews suggest Supergirl has plenty of strengths, especially its cast and emotional story. However, some critics believe the villain and certain story choices prevent it from becoming a truly great superhero film. Audiences will get the chance to decide for themselves when Supergirl arrives in theaters on June 26.
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