SUPERHERO
carries the burden of representing half the population, and her success could determine the fate of other female superhero films.
What’s more, the film follows a string of superhero blockbusters that have been battered by critics, making a hit all the more crucial for the cinematic universe of DC Comics.
So it’s a pleasure to report that “Wonder Woman” more than delivers on its promise: The movie is simply awesome.
The keys to its success lie in the two wonder women at the heart of the film, director Jenkins and star Gal Gadot.
With her scene-stealing appearance in “Batman v Superman” last year, Gadot made it clear that she could ably fulfill the duties of the hero: smart, sassy, strong, and in need of no man’s aid. She remains just as headstrong and physically formidable, but viewers get to know Diana Prince — Wonder Woman’s alter ego — better in the film, and she’s one of the most charming and lovable superheroes to surface in a long, long time.
Jenkins and writer Allan Heinberg have sacked the dark and dour tone that began with the Christopher Nolan “Batman” trilogy and has persisted through Zack Snyder’s Superman and Batman films.
“Wonder Woman” engages with the heavy topics of war and the dark nature of mankind, with a story set during World War I, but the film is often Directed by Patty Jenkins.
PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content) 2:21 at the Columbus 10 at Westpointe, Crosswoods, Dublin Village 18, Easton 30, Gateway, Georgesville Square 16, Grove City 14, Lennox 24, Movies 16 Gahanna, Pickerington, Polaris 18, River Valley, Screens at the Continent, Strand and Studio 35 theaters and the South Drive-in lighthearted and funny, especially regarding Diana’s limited understanding of the modern world. Gadot plays off Chris Pine, who beautifully portrays British spy Steve Trevor. The two have a winning chemistry, bringing a sense of ease and humor to their dramatic performances.
“Wonder Woman” isn’t perfect — the movie has a few wonky moments, especially some cartoonish early scenes of Diana growing up on the island of Themyscira, among the Amazon warrior women. The film doesn’t quite hit its groove until Gadot shows up. A final battle sequence falls victim to the dreaded CGI sludge, but Jenkins maintains a steady hand on the story and character, so each emotional journey remains engaging throughout all the digital fire and brimstone.
The action sequences starring Gadot and the other Amazons are absolute stunners. Robin Wright turns in a memorably athletic performance as Antiope, and Jenkins shoots the powerful, breathtaking stunts with clarity and vigor, effectively using slow-motion and speed-ramping techniques to create a breathtaking ballet of strength and grace.
Witnessing such feminine power is mind-boggling and awe-inspiring — but wistful, too. It’s a shame that such instances are so rare to be exceptional.
“Wonder Woman” proves that Diana Prince, that wonder of a woman, is exactly the kind of superhero we need now. Unburdened by a dark backstory or moral ambiguity, she is optimistic, determined and driven to action by her stalwart belief that one should always fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
During times of fear, darkness and pain, the shining beacon that is Wonder Woman reminds us to fight for truth, love unabashedly and protect even those who might not deserve it.
Thank goodness we have her.