DC Universe's next big-screen movie is already getting attention, but probably not how the movie makers wanted. Early reactions to Supergirl have started to surface online, and some of the comments paint a troubling picture for the highly anticipated superhero film. Although first impressions are not always the final ones, the unusually harsh criticism has sparked discussion about the movie’s quality. 

The DCU's next chapter was expected to build on momentum, but early reactions have instead sparked questions about whether it can maintain it. 

Supergirl is getting some of the worst reviews the film has seen so far after Variety published a scathing review, calling it an uninspired entry in the new DC Universe. It praised Milly Alcock’s screen presence, but said the film was hampered by a weak script, and a dull story. It also described the film as a generic spectacle that can not quite get its viewers to care about its characters, despite its ambitious cosmic setting.

"Milly Alcock takes charge in a dystopian superhero movie so flat it's super-horrendous,” Owen Gleiberman wrote for Variety, arguing that the film fails to capitalize on Milly Alcock's lead performance. 

Additionally, as per Variety,  the film’s main plot is reduced to two simple goals: to save Krypto the Superdog and to help Ruthye seek revenge on her murdered family. On the other hand, Deadline reported that Supergirl has had a mixed start to its lead-up to the theatrical debut. The movie reportedly does not reach its high ambition. 

However, Alcock and Jason Momoa’s scene-stealing performance as Lobo is praised. The heart of the film is the bond between Supergirl and young Ruthye, but the reviewer felt neither character was fleshed out enough to be compelling. Another common complaint was that the film's incessant action, visual effects, and bleak tone often eclipsed its characters. 

'Supergirl': Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything You Need to Know Before the DCU Outing

Despite the criticism, the PG-13 movie's story remains an ambitious blend of revenge, redemption, and a journey across the farthest reaches of the DC Universe. 

Supergirl is about Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, and her perilous journey through space after a devastating tragedy transforms a young girl named Ruthye’s life. When the evil Krem of the Yellow Hills k***s Ruthye’s parents, the grieving teenager turns to Kara and persuades her to help track him down. Meanwhile, Kara has her own pressing mission as Krypto the Superdog is critically injured and can only be saved if a rare antidote is found in a limited time. 

Their quest takes them to alien worlds full of pirates, bounty hunters, alien outlaws and deadly encounters. Kara is forced to confront questions about revenge, justice, and what it really means to be a hero along the way. The film mixes a cosmic adventure with a personal story of loss, resilience, and redemption. 

Meanwhile, only time will tell whether early reviews mirror the wider audience response, but Supergirl is already shaping up to be one of DC's most closely watched releases. While some have criticized the film’s execution and emotional depth, its ambitious story, cosmic scope, and tie-in to the larger DCU will keep it a major talking point. The question is whether the film can overcome its mixed first impressions and win over audiences when it hits theaters with Kara Zor-El taking center stage in the next chapter of the franchise.

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Can Supergirl overcome its divisive first reactions and emerge as another success story for the new DC Universe? Let us know in the comments.