The DC Comics heroine Wonder Woman is the latest comic book based movie to hit theater screens, and the film works because of the very likable performance by Gal Gadot in the lead. Physically, I do think she is a wee bit skinny for the character, but Gadot makes the role her own, and she has an easy chemistry with her male co-star, Chris Pine.
Gadot plays Diana,a warrior princess of the Amazons. When World War I pilot Steve Trevor (Pine) crashes into her dimension, Diana decides to trek into the outer world to help fight and end the war. She eventually finds her true self on this journey.
Wonder Woman is directed by Patty Jenkins, who directed Charlize Theron to a Best Actress Oscar for 2003's harrowing true story drama, Monster. Because she does drama well, Jenkins was a good choice for Wonder Woman. A movie like this needs good dramatic footing, otherwise it will all come off as plain silliness. Jenkins keeps the core drama alive, and Gadot gives it heart.
In fact, what doesn't work here is the climactic action scene. It's the same old digital property damage we see in just about every comic book movie these days. Complete with an ear-cleansing music score, the action at the end is loud, numbing and ineffectual. However, there are action sequences early on that are fun and exciting, even though the digital work looks cartoon-y.
The best scenes here are actually the quiet ones, like when Steve shows Diana how to dance. It's a sweet scene. And those in charge of the DC movies are realizing that humor helps immeasurably. The montage of Diana trying on dresses is amusing, and there are other funny moments here and there.
Wonder Woman is an inspiring character for girls of all ages, so I am glad it's out there and that it's as good as it is.
