Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman (2017)

Dir: Patty Jenkins

Upon the release of DCEU’s new Wonder Woman, the film proffered the continued quandary that has followed every DC since the cinematic universe’s inception in 2013 with Man of Steel; will this new DC feature be the film that financially and critically provides the stability for the forthcoming features to build from, or simply another false dawn? Given the apathetic predecessors to Wonder Woman, Batman v Superman and of course Suicide Squad, there were trepidations over this DC release. However, Wonder Woman succeeds on many levels and perhaps offers the chance for fans to believe this may be the platform for future DC films to grow as an entertaining brand.

Combining the mythical traits of Thor with the gritty war-torn atmosphere of Captain America: First Avenger, Wonder Woman revitalises a monochromatic brand into a colourful arena of superheroes. The film begins on Princess Diana/Wonder Woman’s matriarchal habitat named Metritheya, a disguised island in the middle of the ocean, home to the mythical Amazons. Whilst being princess and restricted by her royal duties, Diana (Gal Gadot) demonstrates her admiration for combat and the hope to one day fight in battle. Against the wishes of her mother however, Diana quietly advances her combative skills. This all comes to a halt when a fighter pilot crash lands by the shores of the mythical island. Never having been exposed to the presence of man, Diana is star struck by the pilot Steven (Pine). Following the introduction of Chris Pine, this is the moment where the film gradually becomes better and better. The relationship between Diana and Pine becomes the glue of the story as both character’s interplay and charm thrusts the narrative forward – giving us reason to stick around. Jenkins employs a role reversal of Superman, echoing the charm of Lois Lane as Pine maintains his Kirkian wit and charisma while Diana provides all the immense Kal-El-esque ass-kicking needed for war-time superhero epic. Their dynamic spark allows the audience to become invested in their plight.

Yet the film does come into some struggles, primarily towards the film’s climax. Wonder Woman follows a similar structural pattern to Man of Steel – engaging into interesting themes concerning war while applying that war-torn backdrop to highlight greater themes of feminism and oppression. These themes are somewhat overshadowed in the final battle sequence, as the film suffers from the post-Avengers superhero curse of numbing destruction and mayhem.

Finally, this doomed curse shouldn’t detract any enjoyment from the film as an entirety. Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman surprises and engrosses its viewers in its tonal and thematic mash up. Gal Gadot brings a performance many questioned after her cameo in BvS as she holds up against the excellent Chris Pine. The best DCEU feature to date by quite a distant. If this is the base for future DC films to build from, we are in for some good years. But given the look at Justice League, I’m not holding my breath.