"Wonder Woman" Review

Title: Wonder Woman

Directed by: Patty Jenkins

Written by: Allan Heinberg

Year: 2017


The DC Extended Universe has done nothing but stagger out of the gates. The first three films have all failed to gain overwhelming positivity. Though I initially gave Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad barely positive reviews, both have soured in my mind since and would require a rewatch for a final conclusion. And while I still contest that Man of Steel is a vastly underrated movie, it continues to be schismatic amongst critics and audiences. Can Wonder Woman set this franchise on the right path, or is it just another divisive entry?

Set during the first World War, Diana lives with her Amazon sisters on the island of Themyscira. A pilot named Steve Trevor crashes on the island and is taken in by the Amazons. With some persuasion, Steve is able to convince Diana to go back with him to the real world under the belief that she can restore peace.

Patty Jenkins' different style of directing is made apparent from the very beginning. Wonder Woman dials back on the DCEU's notably desaturated look, which is especially obvious during the Themyscira scenes. The luscious greens and blues are truly refreshing. But when the desaturation is present, it works to portray the desolate wartime feel. In addition, Jenkins takes the story in a very lighthearted and optimistic direction, which is reflected by the beauty of Diana's home island.

The picture features some great cinematography, but there is an excessive amount of slow motion. Slow motion can be used in several ways, such as to highlight violence or add tension to an action sequence. But when it is mainly implemented to make the hero look "cool" repeatedly, the trick becomes old quickly. Honestly, this is one of the film's weakest aspects.

Gal Gadot reprises her role from Batman vs. Superman as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Gadot is a formidable physical actress. Her facial expressions are impressively telling, and the way she carries herself matches the character. However, I still find her line delivery to be wooden. While she has improved, Gadot continues to read the script quite flatly. Chris Pine, playing Steve Trevor, is highly charismatic and appreciable. Pine is able to pick up some of Gadot's slack. Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen are great, though only in minor roles. David Thewlis is also strong, but he underwhelms in the third act.

As I mentioned earlier, the story has an optimistic vibe. Diana's child-like innocence and sense of goodwill is infectiously charming and illustrates a good message. The background setting of The Great War works perfectly as a foil to Diana's upbeat personality. Even in the bleakest of situations, Diana's undying hopefulness inspires those around her and transcends the screen. That might sound hokey and cheesy, and it is. But the themes are handled with maturity and earnest that you cannot help getting on board with the idea. Jenkins was heavily inspired by Richard Donner's Superman from 1978, and it shows wonderfully.

Despite a fabulous first two acts, Wonder Woman does suffer from a number of flaws that mainly arise in the third act. The film has three villains: Ares, Ludendorff, and Dr. Poison. All three of them are weak. Ludendorff and Dr. Poison are under utilized and cartoonish at times. Ares comes as a surprise at the end of the film (though the reveal is very obvious) and with his entrance, the final act becomes a CGI fight fest. In addition, the inclusion of Ares betrays the movie's intelligence. Throughout the picture, Diana is consistently blaming mankind's warring nature on the God of War. Near the end, she realizes that the fault was that of man himself; that we are capable of malicious intent on our own. Diana's faith in man is broken with this realization. But when Ares reveals that he has in fact influenced the behavior of humans, this brilliant message is thrown out the window to make room for a one-on-one confrontation that the movie did not need.

Another issue I had was with the moral at the film's conclusion. Although the movie handled its mawkish themes expertly, Jenkins does stumble at the finish. In short, the ultimate moral of the story is love conquers all. This could have been approached in a subtle manner, but the filmmakers go for a head-on tactic that comes across as schmaltzy and corny. I have no issue with the lesson, but rather how it was taught to the audience.

However, I have to commend Patty Jenkins on how she tackled the implicit social commentary. With a female-led superhero flick, talks of feminism are inevitable and unavoidable. But Jenkins has crafted a film that acknowledges Diana's strength as a woman without pushing a strong feminist agenda or without making men seem inferior or distasteful. In fact, the issue of gender inequality (due to the period setting) is hardly brought up, welcomingly so. The movie tells the story of a model hero that just so happens to be a woman, rather than promoting this heroine because she is female. Wonder Woman is not just an idol for women, but for all of us, telling us to be the best versions of ourselves and doing the right thing when we can.

Wonder Woman is a really good addition to the current DCEU and seems to have won over the majority of viewers. The double fish-out-of-water story is remarkably well-done; Gadot has improved since her last appearance; the themes and morals are fitting; and the film is jubilantly sanguine and unapologetic about that. Patty Jenkins' direction is the best element of this feature and the main reason for the film's quality. Though hampered by an unbalanced third act, poor villains, unnecessary over usage of slow motion and several other factors, Wonder Woman succeeds in what it aims to achieve. Man of Steel is still the superior film, but that should not detract from the success this movie has garnered. But I do think Wonder Woman has become a highly, highly overrated film. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable and impenitently compassionate picture.

Grade: B+