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Appealing to both casual movie-goers and comic book superfans alike, DC’s Wonder Woman, (with sterling direction by Patty Jenkins), stands apart from the abundance of superhero films bursting into theatres recently.
Wonder Woman immediately eases the audience into the mythology behind the film. A ‘storybook’ scene provides the backdrop, as the origin story of the main character, Diana, is unveiled. Diana, played skillfully by Gal Gadot (The Fast and Furious), is a princess of the Amazonians, a female race of superhumans charged with protecting the peace. However, their world is rocked by the arrival of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine (Star Trek)), who is fleeing the Germans in the heat of the First World War. Together they embark on a mission to deliver intelligence to British command, and subsequently embark on a behind the lines raid to bring a close to the War to End All Wars.
The plot isn’t the film’s strongest point. Instead, it provides a satisfying stage for the film to show where it truly shines: the visuals. The expected action sequences are used sparingly, but to excellent effect — gritty without being gory, effective without being excessive, using sweeping camera movements and slow motion to animate the most dramatic choreography of the film. Even better is the set design, a true feast for the eyes. Paradise Island glimmers in the sun, while bustling Great War London and the sparkling ballrooms of a Continental castle waltz into life. So too does the muddy, desolate war-torn provincial Europe, with Diana’s shimmering armour standing out against an oppressive, earthy, military colour palette.
Gadot unfortunately isn’t given the chance to shine as Diana. Her character doesn’t truly command the film until the third act, when she becomes the car-flipping, hand-to-hand combative heroine which the film promises and reveals a refreshingly idealistic and emotionally strong personality. However, Gadot doesn’t have much room to maneuver in a character who remains stoic but oddly subdued during the majority of the movie. Instead, she is overshadowed by Pine, who delivers a stellar performance. Though a serious film, dealing with morality, judgment, retribution and sacrifice, a little humour is injected by a motley band of supporting heroes and villains (including Lucy Davis, Ewen Bremner, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright).
In conclusion, Wonder Woman is an almost perfect shot at the superhero genre, and a welcome representation of a leading woman in a majority-male film genre. For the audience, there is something for everyone, as the film treads the line between superhero movie, war film period drama and pro-peace plea. The one true shortcoming of the film is the lack of character depth, which hampers the actors’ otherwise strong performances. If you’re looking for a film to watch this week, look no further than this entertaining and surprisingly sophisticated spectacle.
View the trailer:
