Pleasantly Surprised; Mildly Disappointed

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2017)

I grew up in the Linda Carter era and remember the male response to her physique well. She was perceived as a bimbo by many and received no respect. That memory made me oppose the idea of this movie. "Here we go again."
What changed my mind was reading some initial reviews by women and looking at Gal Gadot's bio. I was astonished to read a woman say she was going to take her daughters to see the film. That could only mean strong approval for Gal Gadot's presentation, and no 'jiggle-factor'. Reading that she was a combat instructor in the Israeli Army as well as being a former Miss Israel was intriguing. This might work! Seeing it was a great experience!
I am not a sociologist, but "Wonder Woman" seems to come at a time when girls/women are yearning for an ideal heroine they can own. Strong female disapproval of this film would have killed it in days. Gal Gadot superbly provides a believable, fully-developed character that taps into what women want. A woman director was the key to "Wonder Woman". Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielson are all effective in shaping Wonder Woman's growth and evolution as a person. Well recommended, BUT, the final climactic battle is way Overdone. It follow the same kitchen-sink formula as Man of Steel, Transformers, etc.