The DC Comics Extended Universe of films has been so an abysmal drag as a film goer. Man of Steel was all style and no substance, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was a dull snoozefest, while Suicide Squad was the cinematic equivalent of injecting liquid Lucky Charms into your brain. However, I am here to say that DC and Warner Brothers has finally produced a good movie to their resume. That comes in the form of Wonder Woman.
Earlier this summer, I was very cynical about Wonder Woman's chances of being successful at all. I predicted it could be one of the biggest flops of this year. In hindsight, I will admit that my view might have been slightly misogynistic. In all fairness though, there has never been a movie with this kind of budget not only centered around a woman but directed by a woman. The studio system has forever sold us, the moviegoer, the idea that a film directed or about women cannot be a box office success. That being said, the ideology needs to change to a film can be a box office success no matter what the topic or who directs it, as long as the film is well made. Wonder Woman has proven this to me and should be noted for its cinematic achievement.
Now, after the praise, I will say one thing: Wonder Woman is a good movie. Not a great movie, but a good one. I think that the film has gotten grossly overhyped because of how amazing it is in comparison to the other DC films. It's like comparing a tortilla to moldy bread. There's nothing wrong with the tortilla, but it's a hell of a lot better than some moldy bread. I don't hate the film for the exact template of generic superhero movies (one that was perfected by Marvel) It succeeds at being a solid entity. The film also does a better job of selling its themes of the morality of war and the nature of humanity far better than most Marvel movies. It is to be noted that even though the film had three story credits, Allan Heinberg is the only credited writer for the screenplay. As many of these big budget films go, there are several ideas on how the film should go. The studio then gets several screenwriters to write several different screenplays. The studio then takes the best parts of each screenplay and then creates Frankenstein's monster out of the remains. So it was to my surprise when the story was actually cohesive and well thought out. The film is not only a good superhero film but a good war film. Director Patty Jenkins adds the proper feminine touch that is so needed in gritty war films, as Kathryn Bigelow proved in The Hurt Locker. One problem that arose for me in the film is the lack of consequence of the violence of war. Yes, some disturbing images were shown in the film to try and get this point across, but the lack of bloodshed I found disturbing. There is a theory that young people who kill because of what they have seen in the movies would understand the severity of using guns. Some movies such as Deadpool and Logan have proven that violence can work in blockbusters, so why would Wonder Woman avoid it?
In terms of performances, I thought the show was completely stolen by Gal Gadot. When Gadot was chosen for the role, I was entirely unsure if she could overcome her looks to give good performances. After all, many performers whose physiques are aesthetically pleasing rest on the laurels of their looks far too often. Gadot proves this through the absolute charm and wit she shows with a combined sense of naivety and strength exuded in her performance. Chris Pine did actually well considering he has always reminded me in looks and performances of one of the puppets from Team America: World Police. The current superhero films are still lacking some truly great contemporary villains, however, and I am disappointed again by Wonder Woman. No other performances particularly enamored me, as my eyesight was always drawn to Gadot the entire length of the film.
Overall, Wonder Woman hits every note it needs to hit with strength, poise, and grace. It is truly a crime that this film was director Patty Jenkins first film since she wowed audiences with her horrific biopic Monster. Jenkins puts out a strong case against industry sexism while producing a solid superhero film.
Grade: (8/10)
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