Director Patty
Jenkins (Monster) has delivered an
exceptional movie version of the DC comic super hero, Wonder Woman, and Gal Gadot embodies the role perfectly making this
one of the most satisfying comic adaptations in either DC or Marvel universe.
Diana
Prince AKA Wonder Woman, reminisces about her youth as she trains as an Amazon
warrior like her mother on a mythical, hidden island. When World War I brings an
American, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), stumbling upon their paradise, it creates
a deadly threat from the Germans and a supreme antagonist.
What
is refreshing about this heroine as opposed to the Lara Croft series (besides a
nice dash of humor) is a lead character
who enters the outside world with wide eyed innocence without ever losing her humanity
or empathy. There are striking parallels to Captain America as we see the
establishment and maturation of an iconic hero with enhanced powers fighting evil
forces. Both characters believe in the greater good of mankind.
Some
remarkable action scenes highlight Diana’s primal strengths and abilities
against modern weaponry especially when she crosses a ‘no mans’s land’
battlefield. It is fascinating how the
film breaks stereotypes and the sexism that was pervasive back in 1917 London, (impressively
recreated with period sets and costumes.)
The
cast is uniformly solid with Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen as elder Amazons,
and Pine is a standout as the noble
soldier who shows Diana the ways of the modern world. But the film stands on Gadot’s shoulders, and
she manages the emotional and physical demands of a ground breaking female character
done ‘justice’ by a female director.
A
classic tale of good versus evil, Wonder Woman
is a fully realized comic book hero that sets the bar rather high for subsequent comic adaptations. (FYI,
there are no post credit scenes.)
***1/2
of **** stars (add ½* for DC comic fans)
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