Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Wonder Woman (2017)



'Wonder Woman' is the fresh breath of air the DC cinematic universe desperately needed after last summer's lackluster lineups of 'Batman v. Superman' and 'Suicide Squad'. Directed by Patty Jenkins who brought us one of my favorite films 'Monster' starring Charlize Theron 'Wonder Woman' tells the origin story of the young Amazonian and the various life lessons she goes through during World War I turmoil, ultimately becoming the hero the world of man needs in its most desperate times. Gal Gadot returns to the role and like Robert Downy Jr. and Tony Stark, Gal and Diana Prince are made for each other. She owns this role and makes it her own and now I truly cannot see someone else in the role.

It also helps that Gal Gadot has a great cast to accompany and even help bring her performance even higher than before. Chris Pine is always great no matter the flick, and here he brings his usual charm to the role of Steven. His character is also the strong catalyst to the overall film, as it is with his help that Diana is able to learn of the world of men and see that they truly are worth saving. The rest of the cast includes David Thewis and Robin Wright. What makes 'Wonder Woman' stand out among the previous efforts of the DC universe is that it not only moves at a much brisker pace despite being close to the same running time, but it also takes from Marvel's playbook in having some well written humor and characterization thrown in at the right moments.

It's the first DC adaptation since 'The Dark Knight' to feel so fresh and fun to sit through as apposed to feeling depressed and bitter after sitting through 'Batman v. Superman'. We can only hope that this is the direction they will take future films, including the upcoming 'Justice League' film and we can have two awesome comic book film series side by side to enjoy every summer. Does 'Wonder Woman' come out completely flawless however? No, but very few films nowadays do. Many questions or minor subplots seem to be dropped or introduce some future plotline that I either do not understand without research or just am left frustrated at it's sudden drop.

One subplot involves the villain Dr. Poison who invents a drug that gives its user enhanced strength and power for a limited time. It seems like this invention would go somewhere down the line (and according to fan theories it very well may) but you have to look at it in the here and now and this along with other story points go nowhere in the film. There's no post-credits scene either in case you were wondering so no explanation there either. A minor disappointment on an otherwise very nice surprise for the summer of 2017. The movie is as great as you've heard, so go on what are you waiting for?


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