DC Films Finds Its Footing In A Big Way With 'Wonder Woman'
Wonder Woman
- Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielson, Robin Wright and David Thewlis
- Rated PG-13
- Directed by Patty Jenkins
- Action, Fantasy
- Run time: 2 hr, 21 min
- In theaters June 2, 2017
There is something truly magnificent about watching a woman kick ass for almost two and a half hours.
Especially when that woman is a beloved superhero who is allowed to be well-rounded within her film, who does not only have to be powerful or innocent, hard or soft. Gal Gadot is the female heroine we need but are so unworthy of.
It would be possible to wax poetic for pages about the talent within this film, including Gadot's portrayal of the incredible Amazon, and still not cover it all. The chemistry between Gadot and Chris Pine is phenomenal, making the audience care very little that of course sparks are flying between Diana and the first man she's ever met.
The script is incredibly balanced for an action/superhero film, giving just enough humor and flirting to create an atmosphere that DC had failed to achieve in a few of its previous films. There is darkness, sure, as one would assume when a hero is attempting to save the world. But while the stakes may still be heavy, the atmosphere seems lighter. The quiet moments and conversations are celebrated just as much as the scenes when we get to see Diana (and Gadot) physically take on any and everything.
That's not to say this is a perfect film. It isn't. There are a few predictable plot points - even if you aren't a fan of the comics, but it really doesn't seem to matter when there's so many other things to focus on. And as per many action films, a few of the fight sequences run a bit long. However, you won't be checking your watch to see if it's getting close to done, though it does run almost two-and-a-half hours.
It's truly wonderful to watch Pine and Gadot play off one another - and their body language is just as good as their actual dialogue - but it'd be a sin to forget the supporting cast. Everyone seems to gone into this film wholeheartedly, with it difficult to pick out a weak link. (A personal favorite: Lilly Aspell as a young Diana who may be the most endearing child in the world.)
In a film where traditional action roles seem to be turned on their head, a woman is the one who is to save the day, she's supported by a band of males and her costume, while very flattering, actually has logic behind it. And the most exciting part of it? It truly seems to be succeeding.
Congrats, Diana Prince. You may have just saved the box office.