Best DCEU film to date

Rating: 7/10 (25 June 2017)

I should preface this review by admitting (or rather confirming) I was one of the few who actually liked and would recommend Man of Steel. I appreciated the flashback look at the origin story. In addition, I found the darker thematic elements more akin to the Dark Knight trilogy of Nolan. While I wouldn't agree it hit on all cylinders like those did, I found it a good take on Kal-El of Krypton. And in Wonder Woman, we are again treated to an idyllic origin story that involves an island of beautiful Amazonian women. I'm just not quite sure it could get any better than that. Right?
While the movie does earn the title to this review, it unfortunately did not "get any better than it's 'origin'. The peak of the movie does happen within the first 30min with an impressive beach battle scene involving these Amazons against the Germans of the first World War. It's thrilling, well choreographed and has consequences. It sets the table for a good movie to come, and in some respects, may have raised expectations too high for some.
I stand by my title, that this is the best of the DCEU films, but let's face it, other than the Nolan Batman trilogy (not counted in the DCEU here) it doesn't have a significantly high bar to win that award. But it does entertain with humor, action and a message of believing in what's right. There are some heroic moments for our protagonist. And there is a bit of a plot twist that might surprise. It isn't all bad. But, it also isn't "all" good. It has some plot contrivances and missteps that hinder a glowing recommendation from this reviewer. Having offered that up, I will still add it to my collection. Gal Gadot, though not the strongest actor on the screen, did enough to earn the tiara she wears. But she is overshadowed by stronger talent around her both on Themyscira (Connie Nielsen & Robin Wright) and in London (Chris Pine).
It is the talent around Gadot, the wonderful cinematography early in the film, and the steady progression of the story to its end that helps me recommend this movie.
Grade B-