Welcome one and all to my review for "Wonder Woman". Before I begin I will try my best and not reveal too many plot points and will actively avoid spoilers. As always if you have any comments or disagree with anything leave a comment below or by adding me on social media by following one of the links on the right hand side of the homepage.
I just want to begin by saying I am a huge fan of the "DC Extended Universe" and "DC Comics" in general so my opinion may be a little skewed. Regardless of your opinions on the "DCEU" or controversies surrounding the outrage at all female screenings I think the fact that this film has brought a never before seen comic character, with a female director and the highest budget film for said female director and been able to do it not only with success but, early figures suggesting massive success should be celebrated. In a time where there shouldn't be boundaries and people should be rewarded for their skill and talent and not their gender or race I feel the success of this film will show that such attitudes are not only old fashioned but, unwarranted.
"Wonder Woman" follows Diana of Themyscria, a young warrior princess on an island race of all women who saves the life of pilot and spy; Steve Trevor. Diana leaves the island with Trevor in order to stop the god of war, Ares, from executing a plan to start an unending war. "Wonder Woman" was directed by Patty Jenkins, her first feature since "Monster" in 2003 and written by chief creative officer at "DC Comics" Geoff Johns as well as Allan Heinberg; who worked on the ill fated "Wonder Woman" television pilot in 2012.
What a breath of fresh air "Wonder Woman" is to the ailing "DCEU". Both "Man Of Steel" and "Batman Vs. Superman" have been heavily criticised for their dark, joyless tone, what "Wonder Woman" does is brings a mostly positive message to what could have been made to be a highly depressing film as it takes place in the height of World War 1. The story telling throughout feels a lot lighter in tone than the previous two "DCEU" films. There is a feel of "Captain America: the First Avenger", perhaps because of the similar setting but, it feels like a period piece rather than a superhero film. I loved how there was no real nods to the "DCEU", I feel sometimes a film can become bogged down with nods and references that die hard comic fans get but, the rest of the movie going audience don't get. a mere two references to "Batman" is all you get.
The relationship between Diana and Steve is entertaining enough on screen however, I did feel that the romantic nature of the relationship wasn't really required. I would have been happy enough for them forming a bond without any romance, although I understand it is needed to set up the third act of the film.
The action sequences are really well done in the first and second acts of the film, fast paced and short enough so they don't become the sole focus of the story. I did feel however, in the third act the action sequence and final face off was a little too much. Much in the same as "Batman Vs. Superman" and "Man Of Steel" there was a lot of destruction and explosions that just seemed a little over played.
Gal Gadot is fantastic as Diana Prince, who interestingly is never referred to as "Wonder Woman" at all. She is engaging and likeable and plays the role with a great mix of strength, independence and naivety as you would expect from a woman coming from a sheltered life on a mythical island. Chris Pine is good in a supporting role, slightly too comedic at times but, good enough as a support to Gadot. David Thewlis is OK, I felt he was chewing the scenery a little by the end. That could have perhaps been down to his ever so slightly clunky dialogue. The other supporting cast including, Connie Neilsen and Robin Wright as the Antiope and Hippolyta are really great. I like that they are not just people helping the protagonist and are given decent back stories.
Overall "Wonder Woman" was a great addition and perhaps even a jumping off point for the "DCEU" going forward. Gadot proves that Diana Prince is more than capable of holding her own alongside her male counterparts. I would be really interested in seeing where the character and the story would go next, if a more modern scenario would work as well as the historical. If "DCEU" films are made this well, with attention to deal and varied story telling styles I think the future could be brighter than once thought. Well worth a watch for comic fans and non comic fans alike. Great message of female empowerment showing that more female characters deserve a stand lone film, The only question now is can "Marvel Studios" replicate the same success with "Captain Marvel" ?
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