Posted June 03, 2017
I went into it with a lot of hope and a lot of fear. The reviews are great, but most of those start with the reviewer reassuring the readers that they hated Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, so for me it wasn't really a good sign. I love Man of Steel, and BvS, despite all it's many flaws, is still I think a very good movie.
I am happy to report Wonder Woman is a fantastic film. It rocks. It's awesome. It's touching. Gal Gadot is perfectly cast and doing terrific job, and the supporting cast is also great. The action is exciting, impressive, well shot and emotionally charged. There are beautifull silent moments, both happy and tragic. The scene you might know from the trailers when Diana comes out of the treches onto no man's land is one of the best I've seen in a superhero movie, it's cathartic and had me on the edge of my seat.
The backdrop of World War I is treated with seriousness and respect, while still giving us an inspiring story true to it's comic book roots, sometimes cheesy, sometimes a tad naive, but never stupid. There are moments to laugh, but the movie never makes fun of it's characters, of their lives or convictions, it's just some funny moments here and there that make sense and feel real.
Even the romance sub-plot is well done, and that's a rare thing. Usually in superhero movies those feel forced, like the hero is predestined to fall in love with their love interest from the comic, and even if it doesn't really work or has no time to develop, it's slapped on there. But Diana and Trevor (possibly Pine's best role so far, he's excellent here) really work. They share enough time together on screen to build a bond you believe in. They don't talk about being in love, they don't need to.
There are a few moments when the movie get's maybe a bit too "comic book-y". like when the two villains literally share a manic evil laugh at how evil they are after killing a bunch of people. And I could nitpick some things, but I enjoyed it so much I really don't feel inclined to.
And it's a good thing the movie pretty much stands entirely apart from the rest of the DC universe. It works as a part of it, but it is its own thing. It's not trying to be an advertisment for the Justice League, it's not teasing other movies, it's not weighed down by cameos and it doesn't feel like it tries to fit into some enforced style or formula.
Also final spoilery thought
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
I really liked how the movie eeps us guessing as to whether the german general is actually Ares, and the twist about Ares' actual identity. I liked even more the fact that even though Ares is there, plotting mankinds demise, he isn't actuall responsible for the war. That would be silly and cheap. The war is what it really was. Ares is just using it for his own ends, as a step towards his ultimate goal.
I am happy to report Wonder Woman is a fantastic film. It rocks. It's awesome. It's touching. Gal Gadot is perfectly cast and doing terrific job, and the supporting cast is also great. The action is exciting, impressive, well shot and emotionally charged. There are beautifull silent moments, both happy and tragic. The scene you might know from the trailers when Diana comes out of the treches onto no man's land is one of the best I've seen in a superhero movie, it's cathartic and had me on the edge of my seat.
The backdrop of World War I is treated with seriousness and respect, while still giving us an inspiring story true to it's comic book roots, sometimes cheesy, sometimes a tad naive, but never stupid. There are moments to laugh, but the movie never makes fun of it's characters, of their lives or convictions, it's just some funny moments here and there that make sense and feel real.
Even the romance sub-plot is well done, and that's a rare thing. Usually in superhero movies those feel forced, like the hero is predestined to fall in love with their love interest from the comic, and even if it doesn't really work or has no time to develop, it's slapped on there. But Diana and Trevor (possibly Pine's best role so far, he's excellent here) really work. They share enough time together on screen to build a bond you believe in. They don't talk about being in love, they don't need to.
There are a few moments when the movie get's maybe a bit too "comic book-y". like when the two villains literally share a manic evil laugh at how evil they are after killing a bunch of people. And I could nitpick some things, but I enjoyed it so much I really don't feel inclined to.
And it's a good thing the movie pretty much stands entirely apart from the rest of the DC universe. It works as a part of it, but it is its own thing. It's not trying to be an advertisment for the Justice League, it's not teasing other movies, it's not weighed down by cameos and it doesn't feel like it tries to fit into some enforced style or formula.
Also final spoilery thought
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
I really liked how the movie eeps us guessing as to whether the german general is actually Ares, and the twist about Ares' actual identity. I liked even more the fact that even though Ares is there, plotting mankinds demise, he isn't actuall responsible for the war. That would be silly and cheap. The war is what it really was. Ares is just using it for his own ends, as a step towards his ultimate goal.
