A great beginning, a poor ending

Rating: 5/10 (7 January 2018)

The title character aka Princess Diana (Gal Gadot) grows up in the hidden, mythical island of Themyscira which is inhabited only by female warriors whose values are similar to those in Greek mythology. Diana is later brought into the "other world" during World War I and works with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), a military captain. The two have similar goals but with very different perceptions of what is happening.
The beginning third of the film is superb. The Amazon island is idyllic and the other-worldly cultural perspective of its inhabitants is fascinating. There is also great amusement and enjoyment when Diana enters the "normal" world where her wiser Amazon outlook is very out-of-place.
The second third of the film is quite good as well but sadly, things deteriorate by the final third. The mythology that was so welcome in the beginning gets jumbled and confusing in the concluding segment. The final disintegration is guaranteed after a major decision is made. It is not just eye-rollingly hoaky and unbelievable; it's not even comprehensible.
Gadot and Pine are likeable and certainly good-looking but they are not always up to par for lead roles. There are times their performances come off as weak though they are good for most of the movie. Overall, it's too bad the film's great beginning went so far downhill by the end.