SPOILER FREE
Let me start by saying that going into this film, I have always been a fan of the DC universe as I grew up loving the characters of Batman and Superman deeply. I wasn't a Wonder Woman fan until I got older and caught glimpses of the Lynda Carter television show. I found the character of Wonder Woman to be intriguing while also being an empowering figure for women as not many female superheroes are glorified in the same light. When hearing that a Wonder Woman film was to be made in the DC universe of superhero movies that began with Man Of Steel, one looked to it not only with great anticipation but also concern given the quality of the films thus far in the universe. While Zack Snyder's Man of Steel isn't as bad as many Superman fans make it out to be (It looks much better than Batman Vs Superman despite it's story and character faults), it also wasn't the definitive take on the classic Superman story many fans were hoping for it to be. Batman Vs Superman was a mess of a film despite it being entertaining if one prefers the three hour directors cut over the heavily panned theatrical edition, and Suicide Squad looked like fun upon first viewing, but the more time passes it's true lack of quality begins to shine through. Going into the release of Wonder Woman, many DC fans held out hope that the newest addition to the DC universe, would finally get things right with the universes shortcomings and right the ship. The universal praise that Wonder Woman received upon it's release with endless critical acclaim from critics, DC, and Marvel fans gave fans hope that for the first time since Man of Steel starting up the universe, DC finally hit a home run with one of their films. Having seen Wonder Woman and still in awe with it's quality and overall reception, I can honestly and proudly declare that Wonder Woman is indeed the DC film that fans of the universe and heroine have been looking for.
Wonder Woman is not just a good movie, it's an awesome movie, that instantly draws the audience in from start to finish making fans of the character proud while having the ability to draw in newer ones that'll become engulfed in not just her origin story but also her beauty, her willingness to fight for what is right, and falling in love with a hero that stands as a symbol for peace and the desire to put aside differences and work together in order to preserve the future of mankind. The story centers around an Amazonian Princess growing up to embrace her idyllic life on an island occupied by female warriors. Her life is interrupted when a make pilot crash-lands nearby whom she saves from the wreckage. Upon discovering that World War l is slowly engulfing her planet, she vows to use her superpowers to help bring peace to mankind. Wonder Woman feels like a combination of three films specifically with the first being Richard Donner's classic Superman: The Movie 1978 with Wonder Woman feeling like a Clark Kent type character, when she is brought from her home to Earth during World War l setting with her trying to blend in with the rest of society with the assistance of Chris Pine's character, Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins in showing how Diana grew up to become a great female warrior, as well as the plot twist during the films climax with the revelation of the enemy, and Captain America: First Avenger with Diana being looked down upon in the army as well as the rest of society for being female much like Steve Rogers in the first Captain America film, and both going onto becoming the symbol of hope for the future of both wars as well as godly symbols upon their peers. The film also has a Raiders Of The Lost Ark feel to it with Chris Pine's character falling in love with Diana in a style similar to Indy and Marion. With the combination of all these films mixed together along with Wonder Woman's compelling source material, the stage is set for a film that not only embodies all the great traits of the films mentioned but morphs them into it's own type of special experience for the audience. What makes Wonder Woman resonate so strongly with audiences, is that the film has something that many films in the DC universe lack which is that it's all heart. Director Patty Jenkins goes in deep and makes the audience care about the characters as they become invested in Diana's journey as well as her relationship with Steve played by Chris Pine. Their romance feels like Splash meets Enchanted with a touch of The Terminators love story in which their romance is brief but powerful as it resonates with the audience long after the films over. Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright Penn deliver strong supporting female performances and while their roles are not as large as Gadot or Pine's, they give memorable performances with what they have to work with making the film even more badass for heroines. The greatest power that this film has, is it sticks with you long after it's over making the audience reflect on the pure awesomeness that was displayed on screen. In regards to the acting performances, Gal Gadot is the true star of the film as she's not only gorgeous but convincingly plays the part to perfection, giving her all while bringing true sincerity with her performance. She's charismatic, thrilling, engaging, and brings a sense of class to the character. Her best moments acting wise are not the thrilling action sequence that she delivers but the scenes where she becomes adjusted to the modern setting that Steve introduces her to with her learning about the role of a female in the early 20th century, showing the kind of roles that were expected for women at the time. The film makes a powerful statement about a woman stepping into what was essentially viewed as a mans job to fight in the war, and becomes the ultimate key in regards to ensuring her sides victory as she commands the battlefield. The film tackles issues such as ones pertaining to female power, along with the need to turn hate into love, and war into piece with it's powerful heroine who bears a heart of gold. On the films technical side, the movie is stunning visually with it's breathtaking CGI, stunning cinematography, masterful score with the iconic guitar theme for Wonder Woman being reused from Batman Vs Superman and placed here, and fantastic art-set decoration and costume design. The film may feel a bit overlong to some audiences as it's pacing is slow for it's 141 minute running time, but the film is never truly boring as every minute of it is used to further develop the story with heavy doses of origin story exposition that doesn't do any harm to the film but enhances it's depth. Patty Jenkins has an eye for creating truly dramatic and powerful moments, that hit the viewer hard in the gut and make them feel something long after the credits roll. Whereas many comic book films have trouble juggling their subplots or themes, Wonder Woman does an exceptional job of balancing all of it's themes and subplots, demonstrating pure craftsmanship and skill in regards to it's style of filmmaking. Here's hoping that Patty Jenkins not only gets the opportunity to direct the sequel but that her work here opens the doors for more future female directors.
Overall Wonder Woman is one of the greatest comic book origin stories ever told in modern cinema, making it stand proudly next to Donner's Superman: The Movie and Batman Begins. Like those films, the pacing is slower than the typical comic book movie and blockbuster, which will not please all audiences but it delivers richly in the story and character department while being a visual delight (By that I don't mean just Gal Gadot's beauty). The film is brilliantly directed and written delivering an epic origin story with steady pacing, but packs an emotional punch to it once it's over. Along with Jenkins directing, Gadot and Pine give ambitious and masterful performances with terrific chemistry making the audience believe in their relationship and romance. Much like Superman and Begins, Wonder Woman is full of charm and fun that successfully puts the DC universe back on track after the mediocre Batman Vs Superman, Suicide Squad, and the entertaining but deeply flawed Man Of Steel film. The film works as a great piece of summer blockbuster entertainment because of it being funny, exciting, action-packed, deeply humane, romantic, and touching that make it quite a surprise and refreshing experience with audiences while not taking itself too seriously, which is a serious fault with DCs prior efforts as they try too hard to be dark and gritty. Wonder Woman succeeds where those fail, because it shows that you don't need to be serious and dark in order to be a great movie, sometimes all you need is heart and a great character the audience can rally behind and support. With Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, DC has found that hero while also seeing a path to redemption for the universe as a whole with their future installments. The greatest compliment that can be given towards Patty Jenkins film, is not only does it exceed all expectations placed upon it, but the film not only entertains but has something to say in regards to turning hatred into love with Wonder Woman standing as a symbol of piece and hope for the future both on film and perhaps for ours as well.
9 out of 10
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