Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman, the first female-led — and female directed — film of the modern superhero era, is one that audiences have been waiting too long to see. The film tells the story of Diana (Gal Gadot), a princess of Themyscira, a hidden island paradise home to the Amazons, and her first encounter with ‘Man’s World’ along with the horrors of World War I.

For those who may be growing bored of the wealth of comic book adaptions gracing our screens, Wonder Woman may be a refreshing antidote. Its period trappings mixed with its ties to Greek myth instantly gives the film a unique flavour, both visually and story wise. Its opening scenes on the beautifully designed Themyscira are filled with sun light and blue skies, vast arrays of colour in stark contrast to the muted tones of the previous DC films.

Following on from her small introduction in the dour Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Gadot is charming and compassionate as Diana, balancing an almost childlike naivety about the way the world works with a pride and strength that makes her someone worth looking up to. Together, director Patty Jenkins and Gadot do a great job of crafting a character who is strong and empowered but not at the expense of her femininity. Her relationship with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine as an American spy) is the beating heart of the film as Gadot and Pine share a great chemistry as their two cultures clash, often to dramatic effect.

Jenkins, previously a stranger to action, creates a few absolutely standout sequences as sword and shield meets bayonet on the Western Front. However, there is an over reliance on slow motion, initially deployed to powerful effect but eventually proving distracting and unnecessary. The same can be said for the climax which is unfortunately green-screen heavy, losing some of the texture that made the film feel distinct as it devolves into just another CG slug fest. There is also some moral complexity to the narrative, using its period setting as more than just window dressing. Again, these ideas are dissolved in the third act as Jenkins decides to play it safe.

For those who believe they have seen all this genre has to offer, Wonder Woman will prove you wrong. Barring a few third act problems, Wonder Woman is a moving, action packed adventure.

A breath of fresh air not to be missed.

Wonder Woman 
In cinemas now
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