Film Reception: Supergirl & More
A look at the critical response to Supergirl, the buzz around House of the Dragon, and Apple's content ambitions.
Supergirl: Mixed Reviews, Praised Lead
The latest DC film has landed to a mixed reception. Supergirl currently holds a 58% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews ranging from negative to lukewarm.
While the film struggles, star Milly Alcock shines. Critics widely praise her portrayal of Kara Zor-El, describing her as a "fierce cosmic force," a funny protagonist, and a vulnerable young woman all in one performance.
The script, however, is drawing heavy fire. Variety was particularly blunt, calling it "the worst script I can remember." Visual effects and cinematography are also under scrutiny, with reviewers using terms like "muddy CG sludge" and "sludgy browns and grays" to describe the film's aesthetic.
The negative reception comes despite DC Studios co-chief James Gunn’s stated commitment to a script-first approach. Some critics suggest the film's visual shortcomings may stem from budget or time constraints.
Box office projections are modest, tracking a $50 million opening weekend.
The Influencer Gap
A notable divergence has emerged between critics and influencers. Social media personalities who received early access to Supergirl posted predominantly positive first reactions. This split has led to increased fan skepticism towards influencer content, as viewers compare the early hype to the critical consensus.
House of the Dragon Season 3: Strong Start
The season three premiere of House of the Dragon has earned the show's second-best IMDb score to date. Early viewership is strong, with 22 million viewers tuning in within three days—though this marks an 8% drop from the season two opener.
Critics who have seen the first episodes are calling this the best season yet.
Apple’s Content Strategy: "Keep Getting Better"
Apple senior executive Eddy Cue has outlined the company's vision, stating they aim to "keep getting better and more" in content production. Recent successes cited include F1, Silo, Pluribus, The Studio, and Widow’s Bay, which has already been renewed for a second season.