Supergirl: A Missed Opportunity for Lobo

© Warner Bros. Pictures

Rating: 6 out of 10

While the film has its moments, the presence of an angry Lobo could potentially drag this rating down to 5 out of 10. It's disappointing, especially considering James Gunn's recent take on Superman gave fans hope that the DC Universe was in capable hands.

However, after watching Supergirl, doubts have begun to creep in. The film, which centers around the female counterpart to Superman, fails to truly take flight and engage the audience.

Despite Milly Alcock delivering a commendable performance as the “Woman of Tomorrow,” the film struggles with pacing and occasionally drags on. The beautiful outer space settings and engaging action sequences offer some entertainment, but they aren’t enough to elevate the overall experience.

What Makes Supergirl a Letdown?

One of the major issues is the portrayal of Kryptonians, who are nearly invincible. This creates a significant challenge for screenwriters, as they must find ways to justify how adversaries can pose a threat to these near-deities. In this instance, the film resorts to using Kryptonite, poison, and both red and green suns as narrative devices. Yet these storytelling tricks often feel forced, designed merely to keep Supergirl restrained long enough to create tension.

When the Kryptonian finally breaks free, the CGI effects sometimes veer into the realm of the uncanny, which detracts from the film's impact.

Furthermore, James Gunn's signature style, reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, is unmistakable. It seems obligatory for every film to feature a high-octane action scene that suddenly shifts into slow motion, accompanied by an unconventional soundtrack. This formula can be distracting, especially when it leads to illogical scenarios, such as a little girl surviving amidst chaos due to sheer luck while Supergirl seems to lose her grip on reality.

But perhaps the film's most significant misstep is its treatment of Lobo.

© Warner Bros. Pictures

Jason Momoa has long expressed his desire to portray Lobo, and visually, he fits the character perfectly. Fans have eagerly anticipated this moment, as Momoa embodies the cosmic biker anti-hero. However, placing such a character in a PG-12 rated film like Supergirl dilutes his essence. Lobo is known for his ruthless nature, having wiped out his home planet, Czarnia, for fun, and is often depicted as a psychopathic mass murderer.

Instead of giving Lobo the R-rated treatment he deserves, akin to Deadpool, the film opts for a nameless bounty hunter to fill his role. This decision reduces Lobo to a mere supporting character, lacking the ferocity that defines him, and makes him seem more like a friendly biker than a formidable opponent.

The choice to include Lobo only to generate buzz for the trailer feels disingenuous, especially when fans are left hoping for a post-credits scene featuring him. Unfortunately, there’s not even a single after-credits moment to tease his return.

In summary, while Supergirl has its strengths—particularly in its opening scenes featuring a drunken Kara navigating bars and engaging with quirky aliens—it ultimately fails to stand up against other DC films. With its pacing issues, CGI inconsistencies, and the disappointment of a diluted Lobo, Supergirl feels like a step backward for the franchise.

Even without the red sun, it’s a missed opportunity. It’s a shame.