Directed by Craig Gillespie, and written by Ana Nogueira; DC Studios' "Supergirl" stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. And for much of the film, Kara is on cruise control as the brooding, dark, but charming, anti-heroine.

Unlike Clark Kent/Superman, the Kara we first encounter does not believe in the nobility of humanity, or that goodness is its own reward. Spectacularly inebriated most of the time, she is self-centered and often distracted. Her seeming only saving grace is the close bond she has with her pet dog, Krypto.

Welcome to this new version of the DC Extended Universe, and in a surprise move, this "Supergirl" from producers James Gunn and Peter Safran, does have a sly nod to "Superman" and to Gunn’s "Guardians of the Galaxy"; but strangely enough, it owes as much allegiance to "Mad Max," and offers a revenge motive that’s straight out of "John Wick."

The confluence of all these influences make up half the fun of watching this film, while the flashbacks and origin story elements will make us firmly sympathize with Kara, despite all her faults.

Craig Gillespie directed such films as "I, Tonya," and "Cruella"; but if you asked me which is my favorite of his films, it would be "Lars and the Real Girl."

What is consistent with all these three films plus "Supergirl" is how he’ll offer us an unorthodox lead, a reluctant hero, or someone whose status will perpetually be ‘complicated’. We can be thankful he’s quite adept at presenting us with these effective anti-heroes. You can’t take your eyes off them, even when they’re not being likable or noble.

Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El is this anti-hero, the one with a rebellious nature. The main villain would be Matthias Schoenaerts, as Krem of the Yellow Hills. David Corenswet as Kara’s cousin/Superman, has his scenes that provide continuity with his own initial DC offering.

If there is a genuine scene stealer in this "Supergirl," it would be Eve Ridley as the young Ruthye Marye Knoll. After her family is decimated by Krem, it’s she who becomes the conscience of the film, and it’s through Ruthye’ eyes that we see a new version of Kara, and what lies beneath her superficialities.

The young British actress Eve Ridley is reported to have a Filipino maternal grandmother.

Can someone please find out who represents Jason Momoa? He’s in this film as Lobo - but the reason I’m asking about his agent is that he’s everywhere these days!

He previously portrayed Aquaman in DC Extended Universe, and yet can resurrect himself in this DC Universe as Lobo. He was in "Minecraft," "In the Hand of Dante," and will be seen in "Dune, Part 3." He may no longer be portraying the title character or leads of the films he’s in - but he would seem to be the busiest working actor these days.

I mention the flashbacks and origin story elements, and that’s where we meet Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, the parents of Kara. These scenes are the ones that imbue Kara with gravitas, as we go beyond how she’s portrayed at the start of this film.

If you can catch this film on an SM IMAX screen, it does enhance the viewing experience.

There is a bit of a lag in the narrative flow in the middle of the film, and we could have given our villain stronger reasons to boo him whenever he appears; but I was entertained by this unconventional "Supergirl."

For those who still find Clark Kent too bland and goody two shoes; Supergirl is the compelling riposte. It’s showing in our cinemas from June 24th.