REVIEW: WONDER WOMAN (2017)

**SPOILER-FREE**

Following the release of Director Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL (2013) and BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (2016), and David Ayer's SUICIDE SQUAD (2016),
WONDER WOMAN stands as the fourth film in the ever-expanding DCEU (DC Extended Universe); Warner Brothers' equivalent of Disney's 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.

Since its inception, the series has proven extremely lucrative for the studio.

However, fans and critics alike have always struggled to wholeheartedly embrace it; and understandably so.

Though they may be technically sound and visually hypnotising, the aforementioned films (in particular, the latter two) are fundamentally, heavily and inexcusably flawed. Though they DO have their moments, they are simply not great films.

Two flops in a row; many feared this would be a continuing trend.

Concerns grew for the future of the DCEU.

Enter WONDER WOMAN (2017)...

DC fans, rejoice! The curse is lifted! WONDER WOMAN is a resounding success!

Director, Patty Jenkins [clearly aware of the sins of the past] helms a production that flourishes; precisely where its predecessors failed to do so.

The film tells the coming of age tale of Diana (played by Gal Gadot), a young woman of mythological origin and Princess of Themyscira (Paradise Island); a mysterious, hidden land, disunited from the rest of the world. She is an Amazon; a part of a legendary, warrior race [within Greek mythology]. She dreams of becoming a warrior herself, against the wishes of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (played by Connie Nielsen). However, it soon becomes all too clear that Diana cannot be denied her destiny.

Upon saving the life of a downed and drowning pilot (Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine), Diana learns of the world beyond the shores of Themyscira; a world at war.

Believing she can make a difference and bring an end to the global conflict (WWI), Diana joins Steve on his mission to restore peace.

WONDER WOMAN far outshines previous DC films in a number of areas.

First and foremost, it presents a very concise plot; something that cannot be taken for granted considering the jumbled and disjointed BATMAN V SUPERMAN and SUICIDE SQUAD films.

These last two films focused way too much on world-building and interconnected continuity; ultimately causing them to lose sight of the stories they were trying to tell.

Here, the focus of the plot always resides precisely where it should; around Diana and Steve. It's their story, and thankfully, anything that would fail to serve these characters or fail to strengthen the main narrative itself is of little concern.

The story serves its iconic characters respectfully and faithfully; as does the cast!

Gal Gadot and Chris Pine own their roles! They are fantastic!

Throughout my years reading comics, and experiencing different writers, I've come across a number of pretty harsh interpretations of the warrior-princess; many depicting her as something of a brute. Strong-willed and powerful - yes! But almost a little cold and distant too. More warmonger than peacekeeper.

Personally, I gravitate far more towards Gadot's Wonder Woman than perhaps any other to have existed before it. She has an immediate appeal due to her warm, fostering, kind-hearted nature and Gadot plays the role with such incredible earnestness, you can't help but embrace her.

This Wonder Woman is strong, courageous and compassionate, if not a little naive in the most endearing of ways.
She is a hero by the very definition of the word. Someone to look up to! And [should the need arise] she knows how to kick ass!

Chris Pine's Steve Trevor shares similar traits.
A level-headed professional, driven by duty; charming and charismatic. He has a heart of gold; willing to give it all for a good cause.

There's a fantastic chemistry between these characters (and the people who portray them). Their time shared on screen together is absolutely captivating.

They cannot help but resonate with an audience, as we find ourselves completely immersed in their tale.

(That's a great word to use: 'immersive'.)

This film is very 'immersive'. It really sucks you in!

The ancient island city of Themyscira, the bustling, early 20th Century streets of London, the war-torn battlefields of Eastern Europe; the costume and set designs (of both fictional and real-world origin); it all feels so authentic, inspired and full of energy!

The film's epic score wonderfully accentuates both the action and emotion; boosting the grandeur to new heights!

The culmination of all the above; these great performances, the intriguing character-driven story and impressive aesthetic; it all takes a hold of you, right from the get-go!

Now, on a side note: I feel I there's something else I need to address.

As indicated earlier on, WONDER WOMAN is directed by a woman - Patty Jenkins.

I think the choice to hire a female director was a no-brainer that made complete sense, and I think she did a great job.

For context: Wonder Woman first appeared in print in 1941, and has since then been heralded as a real-world, feminist icon and role-model.

Now, I must further commend Patty Jenkins and her team.

It would have been very easy for this film to introduce some form of 'social agenda'.

In this day and age - you know what I'm talking about.

Thankfully, the film completely steers clear of any 'on the nose' commentary.

I must stress that I, by no means, have an issue with female empowerment or anything like that! Hell, most of my favourite characters in literature and film are female; Wonder Woman being among them!

I simply believe that there's a time and a place for everything; and honestly, I feel that any type of perceivable 'agenda' (regardless of what it might be) would only hinder a film like this; potentially segregating the audience.

WONDER WOMAN doesn't push anything of the sort, and I truly appreciate it!
Instead, it presents strong, female characters and lets these positive representations speak for themselves; precisely how it ought to be done!

All this said, of course, I do have a number of small gripes with the film.

Nothing too major, but still worth mentioning.

The film's visual design is great. There's no disputing that.

However, the overall aesthetic is somewhat compromised at times by some pretty shoddy CGI (computer generated imagery), of which - there is an unnecessary overabundance.

Poor, unconvincing CGI is particular prominent during action scenes with complex camera movements. I know why this particular technique/ technology is employed, but these computer effects are often so blatant that I unfortunately found myself distracted and removed from the scene.

The choreography of the action throughout the film is pretty well done, however, again, it is hindered by what I can only put down to as a misstep in direction.

There is ton of slow motion!

Just about every fight scene in the movie uses it, and it very quickly grows tiresome.

I guess it's supposed to look 'cool', and perhaps depict some sort of elegance or grace, but honestly - it just slows down the pacing and makes combat far less impactful.
Played in real-time, watching Wonder Woman clear a room full of hostiles in mere seconds would appear far more devastating and bad-ass!

Speaking of 'bad-ass' or a 'lack thereof', I gotta say: the film's primary villain is a bit of a letdown. I think perhaps this was a case of poor casting, but he just doesn't really feel that imposing or menacing. In fact, he's a bit of a cliché, more in line with Star Wars' Darth Sidious than the Greek God of legend, from which he is derived. He just doesn't have much of a presence.

Another of the film's more prominent villains is tragically underutilised.

This character sparks a lot of intrigue, and yet, we learn very little about her -if anything at all!

There's also a bunch of other, more minor characters that don't really amount to much. They simply feel tacked-on and a little redundant; sadly - forgettable.

On the nitpick side of things: a few scenes play out too long. I get that they're for character development, but they drag and outstay their welcome.

I also raised an eyebrow at some strange cuts (edits), but these are things easily overlooked.

Ultimately, WONDER WOMAN is a damn good movie, and I do recommend it!

It's by no means perfect, but it does right by the source material and is extremely entertaining! It's great to see this character finally receiving some quality, cinematic recognition (it's long overdue), and I can't wait to see Gal Gadot return to the role this November is Zack Snyder's JUSTICE LEAGUE (2017).

- Woody