Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Supergirl'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

So many comics, so many characters. It is a problem for both comic book fans and filmmakers alike. When we walk into our favorite stores we know what to expect, rows upon rows of incredible comics, and any new adventure we want is available for the taking.  

But for the hard working folks behind the camera, they have to be picky. It's about what heroes are recognizable and throughout the years the big names have always dominated the starring roles in motion pictures. Slowly but surely however, other characters are finding their way to theaters.  

But it is not the first time we have seen such a move, in fact back in the 1980's, when Superman ruled the silver screen, the folks behind Kal-El's adventures figured...why can't his cousin appear on the silver screen as well? The answer to that question arrived in 1984 with...Supergirl. 

The city of Argo is in peril.  They have lost the precious Omegahedron, a device that powers their city, and without its presence the people of Argo City will surely perish. But there is one brave young woman who won't let something like that happen. Young Kara Zor-El chases after the device and finds it on earth and discovers that not only is this world is protected by her cousin, Kal-El, but the benefits our yellow sun provides Superman with, gives her the exact same set of powers and she is going to need every last one of them. For the Omegahedron is in the possession of the vile Selena and it will take a Supergirl to stop her.  ​

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Well, this is another one of those tough movies to write about, because it is another fond memory from my childhood that I did not quite enjoy as much seeing it as an adult. The effects are fine, minus the usual mistakes of 1980's films, and quite frankly there are some solid actors in this film.  Helen Slater looks the part of Kara/Linda Lee/Supergirl and plays the naive aspect quite well and does a good job transforming into a solid hero. Faye Dunaway is her always intense self, albeit over the top at times and heck you even get the legendary and late Peter O'Toole in this flick.

So with a cast like that, I shouldn't have any reservations raving about this film right? Not exactly.  It's a weird frickin' story. More or less, it's Supergirl saving the day from other worldly witchcraft. You see, the Omegahedron can essentially channel dreams. So whatever Selena wishes for, she gets and well...like I said it turns out weird. It in essence gives her mystical superpowers and it changes the dynamic of the film.  

This had the opportunity to be something quite incredible. Especially when you take into account that Superman is mentioned in the film as being off world for some kind of peace mission. So you would think a setup like that would give Kara the chance to do something incredible to save the day, but no. Instead it's simply Supergirl vs. a Witch.  

Either way, for hardcore comic book movie fans, this is worth checking out if only for the fact we finally get to see the Phantom Zone that has played such a big part in the Superman mythos. For the average fan however, well, I can't guarantee you'll like it, but you'll definitely be entertained.  ​

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