Glorious Manifestation of Hope and Love

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2017)

Patty Jenkins has managed to do what no other filmmaker has done in almost a decade- revive DC. You may painfully recall last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The only bright spot in an otherwise excruciating film was the introduction of Gal Gadot's Diana aka Wonder Woman. She walked away with the movie's best scenes set to that killer theme tune. I, like many others, was looking forward to Wonder Woman's solo film and boy does it deliver!
Why did it take so long for a female superhero to get the spotlight in today's era of superhero movies? Because our society isn't quite as evolved as some would have you believe. But no matter. If the long wait results in Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman being made, I say the wait was worth it. Ms. Jenkins skillfully blends action, humor, and heart to create a character that shines brighter than any hero I've seen on celluloid in recent memory. Her star kicks the villain's ass while she lets the patriarchy have it. Hats off, Madam Director.
The story revolves around Diana, an Amazonian Princess, who has been raised on an island far from the rest of the world but when she rescues a pilot from a plane crash she gets to know about the outside world and how men have brought it to its knees with war and destruction. Unable to stand idly by Diana embarks on a destiny defining mission to rescue man from all that is evil. This isn't a short film, as the genre doesn't allow it, but it's well thought out and smartly paced. Action, drama, and humor are all well executed and come up at appropriate times. The visuals and background score are stunning. But more than anything, it's the heart and soul of the main character that keeps you glued to your seat.
Gal Gadot has a sparkling presence. She infuses Diana with kindness and strength in equal doses. Her screams echo in the theatre and the charm in her eyes makes it difficult for you to look away. It's the best cast DC role since Heath Ledger's Joker. Chris Pine delights as Steve Trevor, Diana's companion and guide to the new world. He's genuine and lends a hand (or shoulder) to his costar who doesn't often need it. David Thewlis (who I can only remember as Lupin from Harry Potter) is effective and does well in a relatively short part.
Wonder Woman is a glorious manifestation of hope, love, and the power of good. While the character is never called 'Wonder Woman', the movie is indeed wonderful. Patty Jenkins has done complete justice to a character that will live in our hearts for a long time. As Diana's mother says, "be careful in the world of men, Diana. They do not deserve you." This rings especially true in our troubled times. We don't deserve this hero but we certainly need her.
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