DC makes a comeback!

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2017)

I'm going to start off by saying that in the Marvel vs DC battle, I am on the side of the former. Watching those films is just like breathing in a suspicious magic potion only to find that you're under a spell you can't break free from. But this review shouldn't be about Marvel. This should just be about me telling you that finally, it is now DC's moment to shine in the spotlight. This film is a renaissance of sorts and has been able to bring back memories of the glory days--when we were all watching the Dark Knight movies (gosh, has it really been that long?).
There are some things that differentiate a good film from a bad one and one of those is character building. I have spent quite some time "researching" Marvel characters and reading their backstories, being the superhero geek that I am. But going into this film, I thought, "I have no idea who Wonder Woman (aka Diana Prince) is and have only seen a rather dissatisfying appearance of hers in Batman vs Superman. Will I really grow to like her?". The answer to that as I have found out now, is "yes"-- a big one.
This is an origin story so obviously, there was a lot of character building. We got to know where she came from, what her beliefs were and how that affected her actions. From her childhood to her adult life, she is shown to be a very passionate and warm individual but also very strong (literally, too) and aggressive when she needs to be, which is a beautiful equilibrium that somehow suits women the best. Greatness wasn't thrust upon herâ€”she was born with it. She didn't undergo a revelation in her mid-twenties and decide that it was time for her to save the world, because she was always destined to do that and she knew it.
Gal Gadot, really proves her worth and makes every aspect of the character she plays, believable. A bit like Captain America, the world Wonder Woman discovers is completely alien to her and something about that genuine innocence catches my approval all the time. It is also a great source of comedy. I didn't watch Suicide Squad, so I may be wrong, but it seems to me, that this is the first DC movie that has been able to strike a very good balance between humor and gravity. Maybe they've tried to follow Marvel's footsteps, but no matter it has yielded good results. There is also a fair bit of romance in this film that a lot of other superhero movies of the recent past haven't had. Since that is another ingredient to add to the batter, I must say they've proportioned all the elements skillfully and have baked the cake quite well.
The film is engaging right from the very first moment. The action and tension aren't too overpowering despite the backdrop, being that of the First World War. They're there exactly when we need them to be, to keep the rhythm steady. No part of the film lags behind and makes us want to see some extra pace.
Another thing that stood out for me was the element of mystery right from the beginning of the film, made clear to the viewer. We know where Wonder Woman spent all her life growing up but we're never told exactly what her lineage is. That keeps us excited throughout the film, as we know there is something yet to be discovered. The twist in the last act really caught me off guard and is probably one the best ones, I've seen. Despite its long run-time it doesn't feel stretched, thanks to some great direction and editing.
The plot is very well conceived and apart from the obvious powers that our lead possesses and their resulting effects, nothing seems too wild to be true; no deus ex machina, here. Chris Pine's character, Captain Steve is extremely likable as well and is the perfect friend and support. Along with some other people, he and Diana give us a great display of togetherness and form quite the unlikely team of heroes.
However, a couple of minor shortcomings come to mind. The Amazons, Wonder Woman grew up with, don't end up being as important as they're shown to be in the beginning. They never really play a great role in anything much. I was hoping they would all come together to help our leading lady in the end but that never happens. Also, I'd have liked to see some of the events that transpired during the transition from the 1910s to the present day which lead WW to be in the place that she is now. But maybe that's for some other day.
These points are still, not enough to deter someone from watching this film. It is enrapturing and comes at us like a dark horse. The best thing is that now, more and more people will consider making such films with a powerful female lead. Hopefully the upcoming DC productions will be able to build a tradition of quality on this strong foundation. Maybe then, I might even begin to question my allegiance.