Wonder Woman
4/5
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Written by: Allan Heinberg
Rated: PG-13
For the past four years, movie audiences, myself included, have wanted to see a great DC extended universe (DCEU) film. While the DC comics are filled with detailed characters and memorable stories, the DCEU films have shown little care to represent this same quality. So far all three entries in the DCEU are composed of weak story telling, confusing character arcs, and poor direction. Wonder Woman is beyond anything the DCEU has released. This film takes its place at the side of other great comic book movies, and, in some cases, Wonder Woman rises above them.
Wonder Woman's story is an epic, set during World War I. The film's runtime is a lengthy two hours and twenty one minutes, but it does make good use of the bulk of this time. The film includes a variety of lifelike locations, memorable heroes, nefarious enemies and several interwoven story arcs. The way the film's overarching story plays out is well done, and appears to have no gaping holes within its narrative. Sadly, the start of the film's final act lacks the depth and force that the rest of the film carried. It does not detract from the rest of the film, but it is jarring. The film's conclusion, however, puts the story back on track, and sends viewers off satisfied.
Wonder Woman's considerable screenplay is complemented by multiple powerful performances from both the main and supporting cast. Gal Gadot portrays the iconic role of Diana, Princess of Themyscira. Gadot fills her speeches on love and war with emotional palpability, without force or unnecessary suppression. She emerges onto the screen with gravitas, and plays her dynamic character with an intensity of grace and fury. Chris Pine characterizes the talented World War I pilot and American spy, Steve Trevor. Pine plays this character with an air of charisma and comedic charm. His impeccable comedic timing lands all of his jokes, and provokes a range of laughter. From light chuckles to loud embarrassing guffaws, audiences will enjoy Pine's genuine humor. Along with these two capable performances, most of the supporting characters exhibit this same level of vitality. Two standout performances from the supporting cast are David Thewlis' portrayal of the British military general, Sir Patrick, and Elena Anya's stark depiction of the feared German chemist, Dr. Maru. Both performers play their parts with humanity, as neither wholly good or evil. From the supporting roles to the hundreds of unnamed fighters, all of Wonder Woman's characters are portrayed with excellence.
Wonder Woman also features some incredible on screen action scenes. Battles play out on both large scale open landscapes, and in close quartered sets. Despite how massive or minimal the fight scene is, all of them are executed with powerful and hard hitting punch. Soldiers are not taken down with ease. Every defeated enemy is a victory, and every fallen friend is a casualty. The carefully timed choreography of each battle gives nearly every hit a tangible sense of impact. During one of the film's intense battle scenes, I found myself dodging gun fire and raising my wrist in defense, as if I felt I could deflect the bullets back into the screen (bare in mind, I did not see this film in 3D).
Beyond this film's well done story, powerful performances, and incredible action scenes, Wonder Woman is an important film. Currently there is a harmful stimulus influencing several cinematic releases. Modern movies feel inclined to deliberately select a gender and promote it as the more powerful, more important, and more worthy. While the majority of audiences expect Wonder Woman will fall victim to this same overt stimulus, viewers will be surprised to find Wonder Woman is without agenda or gender bias. Diana is not shown as a candid dependent heroine who is simply aesthetically pleasing, and Steve is not an incapable imbecile who is only along for the ride. In addition to this, neither gender is grossly over glorified above the other. The film plays equally to Diana and Steve's strengths, illustrating them both with an impression of noble courage and valor. Wonder Woman is a film all audiences will be able to fully enjoy. Avid DCEU fans and casual movie goers will enjoy this great standalone film from director Patty Jenkins and writer Allan Heinberg.
Verdict: Wonder Woman offers all viewers an epic story, full of powerful genuine characters, vivid locations, and incredibly intense actions scenes, worth experiencing in theatres.
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