It wouldn't be wrong to think that there was a lot of pressure on the Wonder Woman movie. Not only was their a lot of people hoping that it would be the first well received film of the DC Extended Universe (especially leading into Justice League), but female led superhero films have had a horrible track record. Supergirl, Catwoman, Elektra: all terrible. But Wonder Woman was the first superheroine, and a movie based on her has been in development hell for years. With the casting of Gal Gadot initially for "Batman v Superman" and her well received, albeit short, performance, things were starting to move forward and it definitely got some excitement going for her own solo film. What resulted was a film that succeeded on many levels, honoring the 75 year old character and pleasing those who have been waiting for the film for one reason or another.
Wonder Woman is without a doubt the best entry so far in the DCEU. To some, that's not exactly saying much, but as someone who has enjoyed these films to some degree, it's true. The main factor that I believe contributes most to the film's success is that compared to the other films so far in the DCEU, it has more of a human touch. It isn't concerned with creating a grand scale or building a universe; the story is solely Diana's. There's a natural feel when it comes to the characters and the wit (the latter of which felt somewhat forced at times in "Suicide Squad").
Gal Gadot truly shines in the film as the Amazon princess. She channels the character well, capturing both her loving nature and her ferocity as a warrior hell bent on doing the right thing no matter what anyone thinks. For those who have been seeking a character similar to Christopher Reeves' portrayal as Superman, you can see that in Gal's performance (you could have just waited for Henry Cavill's Superman to develop into the character you expect, but whatever). But besides that, some of her best moments are from the development of her relationship with Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine. The two have immediately chemistry, something you'd expect between Steve and Diana, and the conversations they share make them feel like a real couple. They really are the best couple shown so far in the DCEU (no offense to Lois and Clark though; they're good together, but their relationship did feel a bit rushed in "Man of Steel").
Zack Snyder may not have directed this film, but he does have his DNA present, particularly in the action scenes; on that note, there's a lot of slow motion used as you'd expect from Snyder, but it's done well and helps you really appreciate the fights more. The first main action scene is a battle on the shores of Themyscira between the Amazons and invading German forces chasing after Trevor. Considering Snyder's past work on the film "300", his style really fits well with the Amazons, showing them as fierce warriors, with skills that would make Leonidas jealous. Speaking of the Amazons and Themyscira, the film does a good job at displaying the sisterhood between the Amazons and creating a paradise like environment with, as much as I can tell, minimum CGI.
The next amazing action scene in the film is when Diana, in her first battle in her iconic outfit, fights her way across a No Man's Land and into a German occupied village, freeing its people. In my opinion, this scene did for Wonder Woman what the warehouse fight scene did for Batman in "Batman v Superman", showcasing the character's amazing combat skills. Following that, there's the climactic final battle between Diana and Ares, where her full power is unleashed; like a goddess, she is awe-inspiring, even giving me goosebumps.
Speaking of Ares, I feel he may be the best villain we've had so far in the DCEU. His role is well acted and not too over the top (by whom I won't say because it's a bit spoilery) and he has clear motivation in his actions, not to mention he and Diana have one of the best fights I've seen in a comic book movie. His fighting style is very similar to the first Injustice game, especially with his use of multiple flying swords.
In my review last year of "Batman v Superman", I questioned whether critics had some bias towards DC films. Thankfully though, Wonder Woman has been receiving high praise, placing it among some of the best comic book movies of all time. Now, don't get me wrong, I still think "Man of Steel" and "Batman v Superman" were unfairly criticized, but I'm glad they finally found something they like with Wonder Woman. Hopefully it's a sign that DC's films are going in the right direction so they can please everyone.
When it comes to the last three DCEU films, I've found some degree of problems with them. But with Wonder Woman, there's no glaring problems that kept me from being completely satisfied. Though I will admit that there are a lot of parallels to "Captain America: The First Avenger"...like A LOT. However, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of Wonder Woman.
Overall, Wonder Woman delivers a film full of action and romance portraying a strong female hero that will please fans of the character old and new.
RATING: 10/10
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