REVIEW: Wonder Woman

 REVIEW: Wonder Woman 

Originally published in 2020, here are my thoughts on Wonder Woman.

 I don't usually watch the DC films, because they don't tend to be as good as the Marvel Studios offerings, but I have heard from a few people that this film is something really special, and I know that the critics gave it  glowering reviews. It was described as a DC movie which bucked the trend, and focused on telling a great story rather than trying to pay catch-up with Marvel. As a result, I was curious to give this movie a watch, to see if it was as good as they claimed.

And boy were they right. This film is absolutely phenomenal, and not like a typical DC movie at all. It actually feels more like a Marvel Studios offering, sort of like a strange mash-up of Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. The tone is much more reminiscent of a lighter superhero offering, with many gags related to the fish out of water aspect of this Amazonian warrior in the midst of the more mundane 'real' world, which helps to keep the film fun and engaging. There's a scene in the clothes shop in particular that is hilarious, where Diana tries on various outfits and insists on carrying her sword and shield through the store. There are only so many times you can be told as an audience member how dark the world is, and it doesn't lend itself for great cinematic entertainment, so it's great to finally see a DC film that understands this and instead offers a form of escapism.

Patty Jenkins' directorial style is utterly breathtaking. There's so many stunning pieces of cinematography in this film, and the action sequences are so well choreographed.  I particularly loved the Young Diana (Emily Carey) training sequences at the beginning, and when Diana (Gal Gadot) is in the World War 1 trenches and walks across No Man's Land. These scenes make for some striking imagery that is sure to linger in the mind. It feels like every shot has been meticulously planned with the framing and lighting choices, with a great deal of thought and effort conveyed into the overall look of the film.

It helps that Gal Gadot is so perfectly cast as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, as she genuinely feels like the character lifted directly off the page. She oozes the presence of an Amazon warrior, really conveying a sense of the majestic and powerful. You really wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of this woman, as she's clearly someone who means business and will do whatever it takes to protect innocent bystanders from potential threats. It doesn't feel as though they could have cast the role much better than Gal Gadot, as she really embodies the part.

Overall, Wonder Woman is a rare cinematic hit within the otherwise wildly inconsistent DC Extended Universe. With jaw-dropping sequences and an impressive turn by Gal Gadot, I found myself grinning throughout this film, and I'm glad that I gave it a chance. I'd even go as far as to say it's better than Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel (also a great film in its own right), which is a first for me because I usually always prefer the Marvel offerings to DC's output. I just feel like between the two this delves deeper into the character of the lead, and her flaws, and does a better job with the fish out of water comedy. Wonder Woman is a film which demonstrates that the DCEU is capable of delivering a great movie, if only they'd just learn to have a bit more fun with their superpowered beings.

What are your thoughts on Wonder Woman? Let me know in the comments.