Gadot saves the day for DC

previous output – and it feels natural, unlike Suicide Squad’s reshoot-heavy additions.

The material is helped no end, though, by a fantastic Gadot. Coping superbly with the character’s leap from cameo star to leading lady, the Israeli embodies an ideal combination of strength, warmth, bravery and loyalty that is sure to inspire many across the globe.

Her chemistry with Pine is off-the-charts and the pair’s maturely-handled burgeoning relationship is a welcome sprinkling of oldschool romance rarely seen in comic flicks.

Given the setting and origin status, comparisons have been made with the first Captain America movie, and there are a few similar beats.

The villainy provided by Danny Huston and Elena Anaya is slightly unworthy of the titular heroine, and another character’s supposedly hidden evil intentions are as clear as day.

But Jenkins – directing her first big screen outing since 2003’s Monster – shows a sure hand when it comes to blending human beats with soaring set pieces.

The action highlight sees Gadot march out from the trenches to lay the smackdown on her enemies while wielding her famous lasso – and a tank!

The CGI-heavy final battle is a bit of a letdown in comparison, but at least provides Gadot with a combative adversary.

A rollicking thrill ride invigorated by a potent, well-rounded heroine, Wonder Woman is one of the finest comic book origin stories to hit cinemas.

There may be some life left in this DC Cinematic Universe after all.