Without Question the Best film in the DCEU to Date, BY FAR!!

Rating: 9/10 (6 July 2017)

Like many people, I went into Wonder Woman hoping for the best, but having serious doubts due to DC's previous entries in the DCEU. In my opinion, there were many reasons why DC's DCEU films were coming out mediocre at best, but the one that stood out the most for me was the fact that the films were simply trying to be WAY too serious. There was absolutely no lightheartedness or humor and IMO, those kinds of scenes are extremely important as they really help to break up the action scenes and more serious scenes. Even scenes between Lois Lane and Superman were so serious, one would think each scene was the last time each of them would ever see each other again. It was like DC was taking the exact opposite approach Marvel was taking just so they could say they weren't following in Marvel's footsteps, even tho Marvel really handed DC (or any other comic company for that matter) the perfect blueprint for super hero films.
I did have a bit more hope with Wonder Woman, and even for Justice League, based on the previews as both previews showed lighthearted moments and even a little bit of humor. And it winds up, at least in Wonder Woman's case, those previews were definitely a good indication of the kind of film it was going to be as Wonder Woman has those elements that were so lacking in the previous DCEU films and it winds up being the best DCEU film to date as a result. The pacing is one of the best aspects of this film. The beginning basically focuses on the origin of Diana and the events that ultimately lead to her decision to leave Themyscira. This part of the film is handled extremely well as it gives you all the information you need, gives you a great glimpse of Themyscira and it shows just how deadly and talented the Amazons really are as warriors. And this part of the film doesn't drag at all. Its really a brilliant opening for the film.
The thing I was most impressed with is actually Gal Gadot's performance. She did an absolutely amazing job with this part. If I had to rank all of the super hero's from both the MCU and DCEU, Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman would rank #3 for me, only behind Robert Downy Jr's Iron Man and Chris Evans Captain America. Going into this film, I really didn't know that Gal Gadot had this level of acting ability in her. Not only was she up to the task physically, but she also brought an emotional element to Diana that really raised this film to a completely different level. In particular, her facial expressions in many scenes really were brilliant. While this film had a great script, was directed amazingly well, had fantastic supporting characters, and had fantastic cinematography and well choreographed action scenes, it was ultimately Gal Gadot's performance as Wonder Woman that really made this film so amazing. There is a child like wonder to Diana as she learns of the outside world and its in these scenes that Gal really shines. For example, there is a scene where Diana sees snow for the first time and she has a child like amazement at its beauty. These kinds of scenes between characters are desperately needed to help break up the more serious scenes and action scenes and it was these kinds of scenes that were so lacking in DC's previous DCEU entries.If you were to reedit this film and got rid of all these kinds of scenes, so it was more like the previous DC films in regards to its level of seriousness, this film wouldn't have been anywhere near as good as it wound up being. Hopefully DC recognizes this now and this approach is used in all of DC's upcoming DCEU films.
Its pretty amazing that it took as long as it did to finally get a solo Wonder Woman film up on the screen, but it winds up that it was well worth the wait. Not only is Wonder Woman the best DCEU film to date, but one of the best all around super hero films made to date. Gal Gadot is absolutely perfect as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. She has the beauty, the physicality, and most importantly the heart that makes Wonder Woman who she is. I honestly cant give this film a higher recommendation, both for comic book fans and just movie fans alike. Just a brilliant job by everyone involved and it finally gives DC a much needed success with the DCEU. I now anxiously look forward to any DCEU film that has Wonder Woman in it.
9/10