DC’s Amazonian Princess turned superhero explodes on the big screen that truly unleashes a blend of drama, comedy, and action all in one wonderfully executed package.
Since childhood, all that Diana, Princess of Themyscira, wanted to do is become a warrior like her mother, Queen Hipployta. Despite her reluctance, Hippolyta eventually lets Diana train under the tutelage of her sister Antiope, but in a more rigorous manner. Diana eventually grows up to become one of the greatest warriors on the island.
Flash forward to 1918. American pilot Steve Trevor crashes on Themyscira and finds Diana. When Steve warns the Amazons, who have never seen a man before, about World War II, a band of German troopers invade the island and in the ensuing battle, many Amazons are killed as are the troopers. Antiope, in an effort to protect her niece, dies in the battle. Diana decides to help Steve, convinced that the God of War Ares is responsible. Armed with the Godkiller Sword and a new outfit, in addition to a new identity, Diana Prince, a new hero is about to be born as she uses her skills to help Steve fight the good fight.
After her debut in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC icon Wonder Woman is finally unleashed on the big screen in her own solo outing and it is a heck of a ride. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film’s script by Allan Heinberg from a story by Zack Snyder, Heinberg, and Jason Fuchs, blends the dramas that plague World War II, some fun light-hearted comedy, and some amazing action sequences. With the dark themes of BvS, this film is exactly what DC needs and it is all thanks to Jenkins and lead Gal Gadot.
Gadot may have first gotten flack for portraying the Amazon princess turned superhero, but soon after her debut in BvS, it was met with total awesomeness. For this film, we are taken to 1918 where her dreams of becoming a warrior come to fruition on the island of Themyscira. Robin Wright is great as Diana’s mentor Antiope, while Connie Nielsen brings that authoritative figure in the role of Queen Hippolyta, who wants to protect her daughter, but realizes that when it comes to Diana wanting to become a warrior, knows she can’t protect her baby forever.
Chris Pine is pretty good as pilot Steve Trevor, who is the first man Diana has ever seen and becomes her biggest ally turned love interest as they fight during World War I. Pine assists a bit with some comic relief alongside Lucy Davis as Etta, Steve’s secretary. Danny Huston, a veteran villain actor, once again brings the evil to the role of Ludendorff while David Thewlis brings quite a surprise to his role of Sir Patrick, a supposed ally of the forces of good. Elena Anaya looks visually menacing as villain Isabel Mar, sporting a mask that hides a deformity.
The action of the film is exciting to complement the “girl power” aspect of the film. The stunt team responsible showcases some exhilarating slow-motion aspect shots of impact shots with the elements of war. The finale itself brings a combination of both somber and relief when this warrior princess learns of her true destiny.
Wonder Woman is truly a major plus in the DC Extended Universe. While Justice League and Batman v. Superman has its flaws, it seems like under the direction of Patty Jenkins, this was the boost the DCEU desperately needed and it delivers in more ways than one. An excellent performance by Gal Gadot with great support by the likes of Chris Pine, Danny Huston, Lucy Davis, and David Thewlis along with great action make this truly the best film in the DCEU.
WFG RATING: A+
A Warner Bros. Pictures in association with DC Comics. Director: Patty Jenkins. Producers: Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, and Richard Suckle. Writer: Allan Heinberg; story by Heinberg, Zack Snyder, and Jason Fuchs; based on the comic character created by William Moulton Marston. Cinematography: Matthew Jensen. Editing: Martin Walsh.
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Danny Huston, Lucy Davis, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Said Taghmaoui, Ewan Bremner, Lisa Loven Kongsli.
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