DUBAI: James Gunn’s “Superman” (2025) introduced audiences to a hopeful, emotionally grounded Man of Steel while sprinkling in just enough humor and spectacle to keep things fresh — the perfect start to the newly rebooted DC Universe. “Supergirl,” directed by Craig Gillespie and out this weekend in cinemas, attempts to build on that momentum but ultimately feels like a less-assured follow-up — visually energetic, occasionally compelling, but never quite able to match its predecessor’s emotional or narrative heft. There are unmistakable traces of Gunn’s influence throughout.

A punk-rock Supergirl is a welcome, jagged riff on more buttoned-up superheroes, and Milly Alcock is terrific in the role.

Milly Alcock’s spirited performance makes this Superman spin-off just about tolerable. But it lacks a single fresh idea