Wonderful

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2017)

Wonder Woman may possibly be the greatest superhero movie ever produced. There, I said it. The challenge before Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot was a formidable one; bring the legendary superhero to life on the big screen for her first solo adventure, and do it in such a way that it blows away the ridiculous conventions that have long dogged female-fronted superhero films. Even Marvel, as progressive as they are, shied away from giving Scarlett Johansson a chance to fly solo as the popular and complex Black Widow. This is a pressure not easily handled, especially with the entire DC film universe to this point being largely disappointing in the eyes of critics, and divisive among audiences. DC needed a break, a fine film that could finally show that its universe could be every bit as good as Marvel's. Enter Gal Gadot. The decision to insert Wonder Woman into Batman vs. Superman, and get the mythical Trinity on the screen at the same time, was masterful. Gal Gadot was made for this role; tall, stunning, and naturally Mediterranean, as Diana should be. Add to that the single best entrance a superhero has ever made, complete with a guitar-licking theme, and audiences and critics alike reached agreement. No matter their thoughts on the overall film, she was a highlight. So, the torch was passed to Patty Jenkins for the titular origin story, and she ran with it. The implications of this film's success are well documented, and it finally does break through the fog of the other DC films. We see Diana, the secrecy of her birth in tow, grow to become the great warrior before leaving with Steve Trevor and entering World War I. Her innocence and naivete upon entering our world makes for a complex thread as she spends more and more time around man while seeking her quarry. She sees man's pain, suffering, and simple pleasures, and even despite her singular belief as to what must happen, she becomes emotionally grounded, which becomes key when the climax arrives. The big reveal is compelling, and Jenkins does a fantastic job at dangling lines out there before reeling it in with a terrific, if long, battle sequence. Gal Gadot has made a star turn here, and future Wonder Woman sequels are sure to happen, as this film delivers on all counts: Diana's relationship with Trevor is multifaceted, funny and interesting, and produces some truly touching moments. The action sequences are exciting and gloriously fun, and that moment when Diana casts aside her cloak and steps forth in her full armor the first time is mesmerizing. The DC Universe now has its first truly great film. Ball's in your court, Marvel.