Supergirl

Watching many movies nowadays I cannot help but notice that the lines between good and evil have become increasingly blurred. Some decades ago, most movies stood for values, and while the lines between right and wrong were clearly drawn, good always triumphed over evil in the end. However, in many modern movies the bad characters are glamourized to the point that the audience is manipulated to sympathize with them and their actions.

A movie which touched me greatly since the time that I first saw it in my teens is “Supergirl” (1984). One of the reasons why superhero stories like this touch a chord with many is because of their crusade against evil.

In this movie Kara Zor-El (Helen Slater), also called Supergirl, is transported to Earth from Argo City in space in search of an energy source called the Omegahedron. Kara’s nemesis on Earth is a woman named Selena (Faye Dunaway) who is a dabbler in the occult and dark powers. Selena is looking for nothing less than ‘world domination,’ as she puts it.

There is a struggle for the possession of the Omegahedron which would give its owner control over all the Earth. Selena takes possession of the Omegahedron and uses its powers to further her own ends. Kara, on the other hand, also wants possession of the Omegahedron to return it to Argo City where it belongs. There is a confrontation between Selena and Kara which results in Selena overcoming Kara and banishing her to the Phantom Zone, a prison dimension.

What an analogy of the gospel! Jesus came down from Heaven to the Earth to redeem and bring salvation to mankind. He rejected Satan’s offer of power and wealth and instead chose to do the will of the Father who sent him (Hebrews 10:7). He was anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit and went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed physically and spiritually by the devil (Acts 10:38). In the battle against evil Jesus resisted to the point of shedding his blood on the cross and was banished to His ‘phantom zone’ — the heart of the earth (Hebrews 12:4; Matthew 12:40).

However, after three days he rose triumphantly from the grave to be exalted to the right hand of the Father in Heaven (Acts 2:32-33). He will one day return to Earth in great power and authority and destroy the forces of evil. Earth will be restored to its rightful ruler and will be governed with fairness and justice for all (Isaiah 9:7). That is a wonderful future to look forward to!

Content which some may find objectionable are scenes where some girls in their undergarments are surprised by a visit to their dorm by their principal and where Kara tries on a bra over her school uniform.

Overall, “Supergirl” is a good and wholesome with a moral purpose. There is also a strong Christian element present. Supergirl is a Christ-like figure who has a sacrificial character. She stands up for her friends and loved ones, is brave and takes a stand against evil, however powerful that evil may be.

Christian terminology is interspersed throughout with references like “the demon storm” and “wicked sorceress” (used to describe Selena).

The Bible speaks about totalitarian conditions prevailing in the world in the Last Days just prior to Christ’s return (Revelation 13). This is also seen in the movie where Selena has occupied the echelons of power and has created a police state which is subservient to her will.

Helen Slater is wonderful in her role as Supergirl. The film is also buoyed by an excellent musical score by Jerry Goldsmith and breathtaking aerial photography by Alan Hume. The cinematography is also excellent. This is a movie that deserves to seen on a big screen and is enjoyable fare for the family.

• Occult: Moderate
• Violence: Mild
• Vulgar/Crude language: Mild
• Drugs/Alcohol: Mild
• Profane language: Minor
• Nudity: Minor
• Sex: None
• Wokeism: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.