'Wonder Woman' Review

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2017)

'Wonder Woman' is, in short, a masterpiece, an artful collaboration of romance, action, heart, and humor to create a near perfect superhero film.
First, some history; Wonder Woman was a DC character that first appeared around 1941. She was created by William Moulton Marston. WW prevailed through the several ages of comics, and by doing so created a significant following that fully encouraged this feminist revision. She has endured decades of television and movies, some good, others bad. They include:
1974 film starring Cathy Lee Crosby
1975-1979 TV series starring Lynda Carter
2009 direct to DVD animated film
2011 TV Pilot starring Adrianne Palicki
And of course numerous appearances in other DC films
In this retelling, Diana (Gal Gadot) is summoned from her euphoric island home to help American spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) during WW1. Their mission is to stop the deadly efforts of Dr. Poison (Elena Anaya) and Gen. Ludendorff (Danny Huston). But Diana, creation of the gods themselves, believes that humans are innately good and human corruption by evil god Ares is to blame. Trevor sets out to destroy Ludendorff's lethal poison gas and Diana joins him with the intent of killing Ares in his human incarnation.
I loved this film. I've seen it twice. I found myself genuinely caring when a specific character was in danger. I cannot tell you the last time I sat in a cinema and thought that.
In terms of flaws, 'WW' holds few. A few things that I did not enjoy was the casting choice for Ares. I know that the intent was obviously for surprise, but choosing an actor with that physique did not really fit earlier descriptions of Ares. I also thought that Dr. Poison and Ludendorff were a bit underdeveloped, but enjoyable.
The relationship between Trevor and Diana is striking. True, the romance is a bit rushed but I liked the equality and fairness to it. It seemed very honest and real as not just a romance, but as partners.
The most stunning thing about 'WW' is Diana. We see her as this innocent and naive girl who sees morality in only black and white. But after her exposure to humans, to war, Diana realizes that humans have the capability to be evil. It will ultimately come down to a choice each one of us will make that will determine our place in human history.
9/10
90%
A