Supergirl - More Superhero Slop?

Overview

This critique dissects the trailer for the upcoming Supergirl movie, highlighting its reliance on overused tropes, James Gunn-style humor, and nostalgic elements. The speaker critiques the lack of sincerity in modern superhero films, contrasting them with the earnestness of Zack Snyder's work, and expresses fatigue with the genre's current trajectory.

Notable Quotes

- The party's over, James. It's been over for like 5 years now. You're just too wrapped up in your own PR to realize it.

- I honestly think most people would choose deeply flawed sincerity over polished duplicity.

- You can't make fun of him because he's already doing it to himself. But holy [__] does it make for a hollow movie experience.

🎭 Overused Tropes and James Gunn's Influence

- The trailer is described as a checklist of James Gunn clichés, despite him not being directly involved in the project.

- Criticism of the inclusion of a dog as a lazy emotional hook, a hallmark of Gunn's style.

- Overuse of 1980s pop music is called out as tired and pandering, with specific disdain for the song choice, Call Me by Blondie.

- The protagonist, Cara, is framed as a stereotypical drunken, cynical, messed-up party girl, which the speaker finds unoriginal and uninspired.

🎶 Nostalgia and Forced Humor

- The speaker critiques the reliance on nostalgic elements like retro music and quirky sci-fi gags, labeling them as lazy cringe nostalgia milking.

- James Gunn's trademark sarcastic humor is described as hollow and insincere, making it difficult for audiences to emotionally invest in the story or characters.

- The speaker highlights how the humor feels like a defense mechanism, shielding the film from genuine critique.

🎥 Sincerity vs. Cynicism in Filmmaking

- A stark contrast is drawn between James Gunn's perceived insincerity and Zack Snyder's earnest, albeit flawed, storytelling.

- The speaker argues that audiences prefer deeply flawed sincerity over polished duplicity, citing a poll favoring Man of Steel over Gunn's Superman.

- The critique suggests that Gunn's films prioritize style and sarcasm over meaningful substance, leaving viewers emotionally disconnected.

📉 Superhero Fatigue and Market Viability

- The speaker expresses exhaustion with the superhero genre's repetitive formulas, describing the trailer as too much of everything that audiences are tired of.

- Doubts are raised about the film's box office potential, especially in light of Superman's underwhelming performance despite heavy marketing.

- The critique likens the film to an unwelcome extension of a party that's already over, signaling a broader cultural fatigue with the genre.

🖋️ Writing and Production Choices

- The screenwriter, Anna Ngera, is criticized for her lack of notable credentials, suggesting she was chosen to comply with studio demands.

- The film's heavy reliance on green screen and predictable plot beats is called out as uninspired and visually overwhelming.

- The speaker questions the creative decisions behind the protagonist's characterization and costume design, finding them illogical and unconvincing.