Supergirl (M) – 108 minutes

It is a flashy, feisty, feminist take on superheroes and villains, specifically Supergirl, the 23-year-old cousin of Superman, but I wanted more substance.

As it is, Supergirl, aka Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), raised on the planet Krypton, who watched her parents become ill and die, doesn’t want any responsibility.

She has effectively checked out and lives a drunken life with her beloved dog Krypto. 

In short, she is celebrating her birthday week by partying across space.

Unbeknown to many, her superpowers, including incredible strength and piercing red laser beams emanating from her eyes, ensure she is not to be toyed with.

Superman, otherwise known as Kal-El and Clark Kent (David Corenswet), who lives on Earth, continues to check in on Supergirl to see when she will return.

Supergirl either ignores his video calls or dismisses his overtures.

And then a 13-year-old, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), enters the equation.

She watched her parents and brother die at the hands of Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts), the leader of a ruthless group of space pirates and human traffickers. 

They are known as the Brigands and Ruthye is looking for revenge, specifically to take out Krem.

She offers a special steel sword forged by her father as reward, but no one is keen to play ball.

That includes Supergirl, until Krem enters her realm too and takes down her faithful hound Krypto.

With Krem the only one who can provide an antidote to the poisonous toxin that Krem shot into the dog’s bloodstream, Supergirl goes to work.

Against Supergirl’s better judgment, Ruthye tags along, but this will be no easy ride.

Playing an adjunct role in proceedings is an alien mercenary and bounty hunter, Lobo (Jason Momoa), who revels in conflict.

Directed by Australian-born Craig Gillespie (Cruella), Supergirl is an impressive effects movie (the alien creatures are well drawn), with a thin storyline and a striking score.

Still, the whole thing seems like an excuse for a series of battles, which break out frequently, while helping out Ruthye enables Supergirl to get her mojo back.

Aussie Milly Alcock brings no shortage of attitude to her portrayal of Supergirl. She effectively sings to the beat of her own drum.

Eve Ridley plays Ruthye as single-minded, determined and driven. 

David Corenswet, who we don’t see much of, is the yin to Supergirl’s yang. As Superman, he is level-headed and responsible.

Matthias Schoenaerts makes for a formidable adversary. He looks mean (courtesy of make-up and costuming) and acts accordingly, never taking a backward step.

Talking of imposing figures, Jason Momoa has an enduring presence as a man-mountain with menacing visage.

Truth be told, I was looking for more layers … greater depth, a level of sophistication in the storyline, that simply wasn’t forthcoming. 

As it was, Supergirl is formulaic, with a pleasing female slant.

Rated M, it scores a 5½ out of 10.