WONDER WOMAN IS A MARVEL

MOVIE
Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine
Director Patti Jenkins
Review Ray Chan

WONDER Woman just might be the hero(ine) who saves the faltering DC Extended Universe from self-imposed destruction.
    In the first live-action take on the character since Lynda Carter in the 1970s, Gal Gadot shimmers lustrously as she takes on the title role - a pleasant surprise indeed, given the poor reception to the three preceding big hero productions: Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Suicide Squad.
    After initially appearing during Batman v Superman, the Amazonian now gets her own origin movie, which takes us back to the start of the 20th century, when a young Diana is still living on her secret island home with a civilisation of female warriors who spend their days training for battle in the event of an invasion or the return of their sworn enemy, the Olympian deity Ares.
    Events take a turn as World War I dawns, when US spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), pursued by a detachment of German sailors, crashes his plane just off the island’s coast.
    The Amazonians suspect the influence of Ares driving the world into turmoil, so Diana travels to the Western front with Trevor to try to end the fighting: him by destroying a poison gas factory, her by slaying the god of war. 
    Ultimately, what makes the difference between this movie and others of a similar ilk - but where the lead characters are grim and bereft of emotions - is Gadot's performance.
    The exotic starlet is a treat both in appearance and accent, exemplifying her stature as a 'foreigner'; and her intensive martial arts training and previous experience as a soldier in the Israeli military combine to make her look every inch the formidable warrior on screen, a presence embellished by her outstanding acting.
    Exuding wide-eyed compassion and empathy, she is passionate about peace and loathes conflict, but she can still kick arse if she has to.
    The action sequences are grandiose, especially one in which Wonder Woman ploughs fearlessly into a meat-grinder that has killed many mortals.
    Fans will be happy that director Patty Jenkins (a director of some pedigree, having guided Charlize Theron to an Oscar win) has retained the obligatory bullets and bracelets scenes, but they’re so much more enjoyable to watch thanks to the artful use of slow-motion and impressive camerawork and fight choreography.
    The only significant flaw is one that is common to the vast majority of these comic book yarns.
    After about two hours of smooth action and exposition, the end buckles under the weight of CGI overkill, with yet another battle royale that wears out its welcome.
    But overall, Wonder Woman is an exciting and empowering film that proves it’s not only DC’s competition which can produce ‘Marvel’ous superhero fare.

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