SUPERGIRL (1984) Retro Review: The Forgotten Cousin of the SUPERMAN Movie Franchise


With an unimaginative plot, characters that don’t connect with the audience or each other, and special effects that make you cringe; SUPERGIRL (1984) is a film that doesn’t quite find its way into the hearts of its audience.

Now, most people, when asked about SUPERGIRL (1984), seem to respond with one of two reactions: 
  1. A disapproving grunt at just how catastrophic this movie is. OR 
  2. A surprised gasped at the revelation that this film exists. 
Trust me though, if people respond with the second reaction, they’ll soon, after watching the film, be responding with the first. 

Viewing this film feels like a chore. Not the kind of chore that you can find a sense of accomplishment in completing, but more like the kind of chore that makes you question why it existed in the first place. This film, which finds itself in the same universe as Superman I, II, and III, seems to abandon the joy, optimism, and overall fun of the series and replace it with confusion and careless gags. 

The plot reflects just how little it seems the filmmakers cared. The film starts off on Argo City, a Kryptonian community in space. Kara Zor-El is shown the Omegahedron, the object that powers the city. After the object is flung out into space, Kara follows it. After tracking the object down to Earth, she suddenly finds herself with immense power and finds out about her cousin, Kal-El. She learns that the object has been discovered by Selena, a wannabe witch who, using the Omegahedron, can perform real magic. Selena, using the Omegahedron, banishes Supergirl to the Phantom Zone. After finding a way to get out, Supergirl returns to Earth and successfully defeats Selena and sends her and her minions into the Phantom Zone. 

Entangled in the plot, which feels like the three previous Superman films thrown into one, is a mess of magic, drama, and countless unnecessary additions that only make the film less enjoyable. In a film that’s already convoluted, having Selena summon a gigantic shadowy demon to fight Supergirl seems over the top. What’s more disappointing is that most of these decisions don’t necessarily move the plot forward. If anything, the film is halted in its tracks by the awkward jokes and choppy special effects. 


Despite the moments that show the potential that this character possesses, there is always an unbearably uncomfortable feeling. All of the actions and words from the characters seem so abnormal that it feels as if the director shouted the lines, queues, and actions of the characters to the actors and actresses right before saying action. It feels like they decided to make Supergirl but leave out all of the heart and strength of the character and replace it with the feeling of a teenage coming of age film. It’s disappointing to see the missed chances that this film had and potential behind its characters. 

One of the most disappointing facts about this movie, however, is just how sexist it really is. Why does Superman get to start working as a reporter, but Supergirl has to enroll in an all-girls high school? It seems so unnatural for this film to create a character with the same power and heroic abilities as Superman and then turn her into every misogynistic stereotype they can think of. 

In a franchise that dealt with Superman and Lex Luthor, one of the most famous conflicts in comic book history, it’s extraordinarily disappointing to see Supergirl and Selena fight over the same boy. Where SUPERMAN (1978) got to deal with power, greed, and fear with its villain, Selena decides to make herself “Princess of Earth.” Not even Queen, Empress or any of the plethora of non-gender specific titles. Princess. 

Watching this film only made me more excited for the equality that Marvel and DC are including in their films. Though it’s sad at how long it has taken us to get here, it’s amazing to see characters such as Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and the Wasp on their way to becoming leading characters of their franchise. 

It’s no surprise that SUPERGIRL (1984) has practically been forgotten over time. With no outstanding qualities, this film feels more awkward than it ever does entertaining. Even with the amazing Faye Dunaway as Selena, there seems to be little effort put into creating a film that can stand on its own. However, the horror of this series has truly only begun. 

The follow up to the disappointment that is SUPERGIRL (1984)? The franchise ending SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987).