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Review: ‘Wonder Woman’ is unstoppable (Includes first-hand account)

For those who love superheroes and their subsequent movies, there’s nothing more disappointing than to see your favourite characters ill-used in a highly anticipated tent pole picture. While some of the Marvel films haven’t been stellar, they seem to have a grasp on how to make a good comic book movie. DC, on the other hand, has failed in every attempt. Then there’s the automatic derision directed at female-led action pictures — granted, the track record was spotty but women are due for a breakout movie. History showed the odds were against Wonder Woman, but that was even more reason to overcome them.

Diana (Gal Gadot) grew up on the remote and hidden island of Themyscira, home of the Amazons — women warriors put on this Earth by the gods to protect humans. Training for a war that may one day come, they wait in isolation from the rest of the world… then one day during WWI, the world comes to them. An American pilot named Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash lands on their shore with an army of Germans behind him. Convinced there is a greater evil behind the war, Diana insists the Amazons escort Steve back to the front and join the allies; but her mother, Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, refuses. So Diana returns with the soldier alone to turn the tide of the war and save humanity.

Since Diana Prince was introduced in the Batman v Superman movie, it makes sense her standalone picture would have some connection to its predecessor. But the tie-in is minimal, leaving the crux of the movie to focus on her origin story. Beginning with her childhood desire to learn to fight like her fellow Amazons and concluding with her realizing her full potential as a hero of the world, this narrative is riveting and complete. The film sticks to her comic book roots of inspiration and independence, giving audiences a confident hero that stands for what’s right.

While Gadot/Wonder Woman’s beauty is occasionally a topic of discussion, it doesn’t dominate the conversation — yes, she comes from an island of beautiful women; but that pales in comparison to their physical prowess as shown time and again. Diana leaves her mark via her passion, beliefs and bravery in the face of seemingly impossible odds, whether in a boardroom or on the battlefield. Each time Steve and company try to tell her she can’t do something, she proves she can and will. As a result, audiences will be in constant awe of her power and resilience.

Director Patty Jenkins clearly had a vision for this picture and it appears to unfold almost flawlessly. Foregoing any dull exposition or pointless side stories, the movie stands with its hero for every thrilling action sequence and emotional realization. And the former are often heart-stopping as they rescue the oppressed and battle evil incarnate. The visuals, particularly those of Diana in the fray, are beyond striking and unquestionably belong on the big screen.

Gadot confirmed her aptness for the role in the closing act of BvS, but this movie hammers home how right she is for the part. She exudes Wonder Woman’s confidence, strength and heart in every scene. She and Pine work great together as any relationship between them is always secondary to the mission. He’s of course perfectly suited to portray the rugged, handsome pilot also trying to save the world with some help from his roguish friends played by Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner and Eugene Brave Rock. Meanwhile, Danny Huston and Elena Anaya have their despicable comic book villains down to a tee, and Lucy Davis is the most delightful and entertaining assistant.

This movie is everything fans hoped for and more, possibly paving the way for more equally awesome female-led blockbusters… and maybe even better things for the DCU. At the least, she’ll be a reason to give Justice League a shot. Cue Wonder Woman’s theme music.

Director: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Danny Huston

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Sarah Gopaul is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for film news, a member of the Online Film Critics Society and a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved critic.

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