Gal Gadot is an absolute gem as Diana. Those who were skeptical about her range/talent as an actress can put their potential qualms to rest. Like in her brief part in Batman v Superman, Gadot brings an equal level of ferocity and old fashioned humanity (the latter of the two I haven't seen in a cinematic superhero portrayal since Christopher Reeve donned red & blue tights way back in '78). If her smile doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I'm not sure if you're a real human being. Chris Pine should also get some special recognition as Steve Trevor. Pine's performance often results in some of the film's funniest moments as well as some of its most emotional. Those are obviously the two big standouts acting-wise; but, everyone else is still rather good (even if one or two roles feel a little underdeveloped).
While the tone significantly unlike Man of Steel, Wonder Woman does share two major things in common with that near masterpiece: action setpieces that set the gold standard for the entire genre and a score that improves each individual scene with its prescence. The "No Man's Land" sequence is exactly as awesome as you've heard and the final battle is an utter thing to behold. Marvel Studios may have the better track record in terms of general quality from film to film, I doubt that there's much of an argument to be made that there are some things DC does that makes them look rather inferior in comparison (mainly striking visuals and memorable music*). The score is also fantastic. Composer Rupert Gregson-Williams delivers some impressive work of his own here and his inclusion of the titular heroine's theme from BvS is as electrifying and rousing as it was in that film.
While the tone significantly unlike Man of Steel, Wonder Woman does share two major things in common with that near masterpiece: action setpieces that set the gold standard for the entire genre and a score that improves each individual scene with its prescence. The "No Man's Land" sequence is exactly as awesome as you've heard and the final battle is an utter thing to behold. Marvel Studios may have the better track record in terms of general quality from film to film, I doubt that there's much of an argument to be made that there are some things DC does that makes them look rather inferior in comparison (mainly striking visuals and memorable music*). The score is also fantastic. Composer Rupert Gregson-Williams delivers some impressive work of his own here and his inclusion of the titular heroine's theme from BvS is as electrifying and rousing as it was in that film.
Ultimately, one of the biggest compliments I can give this film is that it understands that empowerment is a truly universal feeling that isn't restricted to race or gender (an idea that I wish the teams behind that cringeworthy Ghostbusters reboot and the almost as cringeworthy Supergirl show on the CW). Director Patty Jenkins mainly focuses on delivering an awesome superhero movie over a preposterously overblown political statement packaged as run-of-the-mill pop culture tripe. From my perspective, this doesn't "save" the DCEU (given how I don't think it needs saving); but, I hope garners some well-deserved goodwill for this franchise.
WONDER WOMAN gets a...
BADA$$ out of TEN
*I was originally going to mention the stunning action sequences there; but alas, that's an area where both companies seem to be evenly matched.
*I was originally going to mention the stunning action sequences there; but alas, that's an area where both companies seem to be evenly matched.
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