WONDER WOMAN Review - Patty Jenkins Has Delivered The Best DC Films Universe Entry To Date
Warner Bros.' Wonder Woman movie is set to hit theaters this weekend, and now that the embargo has finally lifted I can tell you what I made of Princess Diana's first solo big-screen adventure.
It's fair to say Wonder Woman has quite a lot riding on it. Not only is it the first solo big screen outing for one of the most popular superheroes in history, but it's also the first female-led comic book movie from any major studio since Elektra back in 2005. Oh yes, there's also the small matter of a lot of people pinning their hopes on Patty Jenkins' film being the one that "saves" The DCEU.
Well, though I'm not necessarily of the opinion that The DCEU needs saving, I am very happy to report that Wonder Woman is, at least from a certain perspective, the strongest entry in WB's shared DC Films Universe yet. Personally, I think Man of Steel gives it a run for its money, but I realize I'll be in the minority there.
One of the main reasons for the movie's success is Gal Gadot as the title character. Though some were worried after her all-too-brief debut in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, let me assure you that they needn't have been; Gadot brings warmth, humor and an incredible physicality to the role which is sure to make fans of the iconic DC heroine very happy. Chris Pine is also on top form as Steve Trevor, and the two have chemistry to burn. Their friendship and eventual romance never feels forced in any way, and the pair have some genuinely affecting scenes together. They're backed up by an excellent supporting cast, too - although some more screen time for the likes of Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright would have been nice.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the bad guys. Danny Huston's General Ludendorf is a woefully cartoonish, one-note mustache-twirler, and while his lackey Dr. Poison (Elena Anaya) is marginally more interesting, she's not given enough to do to make much of an impact. Then there's Ares.
It's hardly a spoiler to say that The God of War is in the movie, but to discuss why he doesn't really work would be. To be fair, though, Diana's final confrontation with the powerful deity is exciting enough, as are all of the action set pieces - however, there are a few instances of dodgy CGI here and there. Plus, Jenkins may overdo it a little with the slo-mo, though some scenes (Diana's fantastic No-Man's Land stroll) do utilize it well.
If you're of the belief that WB desperately needed to inject a bit more heart into The DCEU then Wonder Woman is the movie you've been waiting for. It's funny, engaging and action-packed, with a strong emotional core and a star-making turn from Gal Gadot. It does have some problems, but overall this bodes very well for Diana's cinematic future and, hopefully, the DCEU as a whole. Justice League, you're up!