It's been a stellar weekend for a lot of reasons as we enter June 2017, and you can chalk most of that wonderful feeling to the release of one of the most anticipated super hero films of all time in "Wonder Woman" - the fourth entry in Warner Bros. "DC Extended Universe" of movies and the latest DC Films epic that features the beautiful and talented Israeli actress Gal Gadot back as the Amazon Warrior Princess who was first introduced in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" last year. Much like "Man of Steel", this particular hero flick takes a standalone approach away from its two predecessors by focusing all of its attention on the titular character and showing audiences her origin story - who she is and how she came to be. Directed by "Monster" film director Patty Jenkins, this film breaks barriers not only in having the titular superheroine in the spotlight - but also emphasizing female empowerment and showing that this 75 year old character deserves her place in the pantheon of hero movies we're getting in this day and age.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to see Wonder Woman last May 31st in IMAX 3D at SM Aura Premier with friends and fellow cosplayers dressed as characters from the film, and it was just as sensational and amazing as I expected it to be. With nothing short of feeling "Wonderful" after watching this two hour plus flick, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and the rest of the cast were on their top A game in presenting a believable tale where Diana's origins, purpose, and emergence as a savior and hero of mankind during a time of great war were realized.
So without any more delays, here is my short review for "Wonder Woman" - and naturally, SPOILERS may be featured so click and read at your own risk!
It goes without saying that Wonder Woman is an absolute joy to watch, especially after all the hard work and effort Gal Gadot, Patty Jenkins, and the rest of the team have put into this movie to deliver something that is more striking story wise and stunning in terms of action and pure impact of delivery. Gadot's return as Diana feels very natural after seeing a good portion of her introduced in BvS, but it is in her own solo movie that we finally get to see her character shine out and be demonstrated to full effect. Naive and pure of heart, the Princess of the Amazon island Themyscira is not yet aware of her purpose and destiny until she sets her sights on and saves a United States Army Officer named Steve Trevor - who crashes near her home and tells the Amazons of the "Great War" that plagues man's world. Realizing it may be the work of an ancient foe in the Greek God of War Ares, Diana willingly volunteers to venture into the world and fight in the name of peace and mankind - even if it means never returning home to Themyscira. With sword, shield, and magic lasso in hand, Diana leaves her comfort zone and enters the world as one of its first metahuman heroes - the Amazon Warrior Princess who will be known to the world in the future as "Wonder Woman".
While Gal Gadot takes top billing and shines through as Wonder Woman, we also have Star Trek star and Captain Kirk himself Chris Pine in the role of Steve Trevor - the first man encountered by Diana who helps her realize her purpose and potential as a hero. While certainly no "Dude in Distress", Trevor is a soldier that keeps everything grounded and humorous - and steadies Wondy's hand along with their ragtag group of allied soldiers as she enters World War I era society and sees the devastation unleashed by man's own making. That's not to say that her Amazon heritage isn't felt - it makes up much of the film's first act, with stellar performances by Connie Nielsen as Diana's mother Queen Hippolyta and Robin Wright as General Antiope. Both mother figures along with the Amazons mold Diana into the fine warrior she is, as she combats enemy soldiers and searches for Ares to put a stop to his machinations and influence on mankind.
Without giving away anything more and putting a final word for the film's awesome nature, "Wonder Woman" is simply one of the best superhero films ever made - period. It's unique, has a great balance of action, humor, and drama, and does a fine job of bringing the "DC Films" franchise on the right track as we make our way to "Justice League" this November. This is one film no fan of the DC Universe or comic book heroes in general should miss, and it's playing in theaters everywhere to prove that it is simply and joyously WONDERFUL in every sense of the word.
Rating - 5/5
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