Wonder Woman
Director: Patty Jenkins
Writers: Allan Heinburg, Zack Snyder, Jason Fuchs
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Write, Danny Huston
A review by Maria Muller
Since her appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice where she emerged as the only superhero to create a stir of excitement, fans have eagerly anticipated the new Wonder Woman standalone film. As a child who grew up watching Lynda Carter, it was difficult to imagine someone else suited to the role. In Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot proves that she not only looks the part, but is capable of displaying an innocence that sets her apart from her fellow superheroes while still kicking some serious butt with style, grace and fantastic poses that look great in slow motion.
Wonder Woman is the origin of Princess Diana. Raised in the land of the Amazonians, Diana’s aunt, General Antiope (Robin Wright) trains her to be the Amazons’ fiercest warrior. When Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) turns up in their world while escaping Nazis during World War 1, Diana’s curiosity about the outside world is piqued. Convinced that the war is a result of her nemesis Ares, the god of war, influencing the humans to destroy one another, Diana travels back with Trevor to find and defeat him. Along the way to the battlefield front, they pick up three of Trevor’s friends to assist them. Trevor’s goal to stop a deadly new gas from being released on the population clashes with Diana’s goal to kill Ares, and the two set out determined to stop the war in their own way.
The Diana Prince in Wonder Woman is a younger, more naïve version of the character first seen in Batman v Superman. Her introduction to the world of humans begins in London in the 1940s where Diana soon learns how differently women are treated compared to her own world. When Trevor attempts to find clothes for Diana that will allow her to blend in, she is confused why women would wear outfits that make it difficult to move, let alone fight. The further they travel into active territory, the more she witnesses the causalities of war. Her confusion of this world grows when her team continues to ignore people in need of help. This is a Wonder Woman who still believes she can save everyone.
The story in Wonder Woman remains steady and moves quickly. The transition from her childhood to the arrival of her love interest allows viewers to learn enough about Diana without getting bogged down with too much history. There are some great looking action scenes as the Amazon women show off just how athletic they are. The flirting between Diana and Trevor reveals that although Diana may be innocent, she’s well aware how reproduction works (for normal people). The move to collect Trevor’s friends is done in one bar scene and they’re soon in the middle of the war zone where the action stays steady until the end. There’s never a wasted moment.
From history we know that war does not end with the defeat of one person. And yet, Diana’s strong conviction allows the audience to believe that she just might be able to make it happen. Her character is that liberating woman who inspires and sets the standard of strong yet beautiful. She portrays what Wonder Woman has always stood for, love equals strength.
As awesome as the fight scenes were, it was the Wonder Woman battle theme music that really got my heart pumping. Every time it played there was anticipation mixed with adrenaline as we braced in our seats. At times, Diana’s jumps into the air looked more awkward than graceful, but the choreography of the fight scenes, as Diana battles guns with her sword and fists, made up for any minor issues. Trevor and his friends are basically there to make her look good as she takes on everyone, and they do a good job. She looks great.
The Verdict
See It! Whether you’re a comic book fan, a DC fan or know nothing about either, Wonder Woman is a great movie. The plot is well done and the movie moves quickly. The action is pretty constant, but there are enough comedic and subtle love scenes to even it out. Chris Pine is likeable, Robin Wright got in terrific shape for her part, and Gal Gadot proves why she was the perfect choice for the Amazon princess.
