I Took My 12

I Took My 12-Year-Old Dog to See 'Supergirl' and It Completely Changed the Movie for Me

And, yes, he got into the popcorn

Like many dog owners, I'm fully aware that my dog is the best dog. Bubbie (that's his name) is a good boy, and I let him know it whenever possible. And as much as I like to reward him with trips to the dog park, treats and new toys for him to murder, I'd never before considered taking him to see an in-person movie.

So when the chance to see the buzzy new Supergirl with my 12-year-old Chihuahua-mix arose, courtesy of Milk-Bone, I jumped at the opportunity. We attended a rooftop screening in midtown Manhattan, and I assumed Bubbie would sleep on my lap or under my chair as the film played. And while that did happen, I was not prepared for how his presence would affect my review of the film.

First of all, I loved the movie. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's a lot of fun and is full of action and humor. Milly Alcock (who you may recognize from House of the Dragon and Sirens) is really great as the title character. Though I had my doubts, she excellently balances Supergirl's train-wreck tendencies with her superhero responsibilities. I have no doubt she'll be back for more films in the franchise—and I can't wait.

The plot, like most comic book movies, pits our hero against a super bad guy, with lovable sidekicks, intense action sequences and lighthearted moments along the way. Jason Momoa makes a particularly enjoyable appearance as an antihero out to crush the bad guys for his own set of dumb personal reasons. And, of course, we get plenty of Krypto (aka Superdog). And it's Krypto's involvement in the film—and more importantly in a giant plot point—that changed the film for me.

Without giving away spoilers, an event involving Krypto acts as the catalyst for Supergirl to pursue the Big Bad (a kinda lame Krem of the Yellow Hills) across the universe for the rest of the movie. This sort of feels like a lackluster motivation... Her dog? She's out to get one of the most evil and powerful characters ever because of her dog?

As I watched with Bubbie on my lap (yes, he got into the popcorn and, yes, I called him a "bad boy" even though he's a very good boy), I fully got Supergirl's motivation. Her love for her loyal companion knows no bounds. Same, Supergirl.

Like her, there is little I wouldn't do for my dog. And, smartly, the film sets up their close relationship right from the get-go. The opening sequence features an owner-pet montage that I couldn't help but smile at (Bubbie and I have a similar relationship, minus the outer space and super power parts). We even get a glimpse of how the duo first met.

With this bond on full display, and with my own pup sitting with me, it was impossible not to understand why Supergirl decides to traverse the galaxy.

Would I have enjoyed the movie without Bubbie? Sure. But would I have gotten Supergirl without Bubbie there? Let's just say I'll be bringing Bubbie with me to the inevitable sequel.

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