Firstly, im not really a Wonder Woman fan..that is, i havnt read many of her comics. In fact the only times i have read any stories involving her were in Justice League or team up comics. That being said i have always liked the character..and after this movie..i love the lady!
Its generally assumed in the fan community that Marvel have DC beat hands down when it comes to live action movie output..which is true in terms of quantity, but not quality. For every Iron Man, theres an Elektra..every X2 a Ghost Rider! Im not saying DC havnt released they'r fair share of dodgy movies (Batman and Robin anyone?) but i think its a bit of an unfair assumtion. Ill tell you what i KNOW for a certainty, as far as animated movies go, DC really take Marvel to the cleaners. Wonder Woman is the 4rth animated movie (the others being the impressive New Frontier, Superman:Doomsday and Gotham Knights) from DC..and like they'r habit of releasing a slew of live action..Marvel have at least 6 animated. They vary in quality..actually im being kind, the only one that is is of a high quality is the latest, Hulk Vs..and even that does not stand up favorably to Wonder Woman. I mean its all about the quality..in every aspect. Wonder Woman boasts voice talent like Nathon Fillion, Virginia Madsen, Rosario Dawson and Alfred Molina, as well as simply gorgeous animation by Bruce Timm. Lets look at the Godawful Avengers movies by Marvel. Voice cast by the likes of..emmm..NOBODY, and the animation looks like something from early Simpsons episodes(i might be exaggerating..a tad!)..word of advice Marvel, spend a few quid next time and maybe watching your movies wont be an experience akin to watching back to back episodes of Superfriends!
Anyway, rant over! On to the review. The plot of the movie is based on George Perez' reboot of the character, specifically the "Gods and Mortals" arc that started the character's second volume back in 1987. On the mystical island of Themyscira, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a daughter of untold beauty, grace and strength: Princess Diana. When an Army fighter pilot, Steve Trevor, crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the god of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazons and has decided to exact his revenge using the mystical “Hand of Rage,” an ancient artifact with the power to raise armies from the dead and infuse them with a thirst for blood. Ares intends to start a world war that will not only last for centuries – but will wipe out every living being on the planet, starting with the Amazons. It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world – by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman.
One of the first things that struck me about the movie was how violent it is. The opening battle scene really is visceral. Theres even a couple of decapitations thrown in for good measure. Another thing is the great (sometimes shocking) humor that runs through the movie. Like i said before the animation is just a joy to behold and all of the voice actors are on top of ther game. I cant recommend this movie highly enough to both Wonder Woman and comic fans in general..see it folks, you wont be dissapointed.