Wonder Woman is an overall good film that succeeds in making a compelling origin story about Diana. Overall, this film is a success; Gal Gadot and Chris Pine were excellent, and the film does a good job exploring some of the flaws about humanity.
Sustain:
Despite what's commonly reported, this film is still quite dark through and through, and its depiction of war in particular is quite serious, as it should. In many ways, this is quite a war movie, which is something I greatly appreciate.
An even handed approach towards gender issue. Obviously being set in 1918 sexism will be prevalent. Yet this film chose to not dwell on the issue of gender, and don't present males as evil. Rather than demonizing men, the film suggests that people of all races and genders should be treated as equal and can make a difference.
Diana. Love her in this movie, she's compelling, awesomely powerful, yet not completely flawless (looking at you, Force Awakens). Her developments and emotions are quite touching, and you really empathize with her.
Steve Trevor. Excellent supporting character. The moment when he tries to explain humanity's imperfection to Diana is very moving.
NO MAN'S LAND SCENE. What a great scene that establishes her character. As much as I love it I think it could've been better if they made a few tweaks (see below).
Improve:
Dialogue is at times clunky, almost too expository and feels somewhat unnatural.
Pacing feels off at times. Also results in some rather peculiar storytelling oddities. I mean really, all it took was one little pep talk for Antiope to convince Hippolyta to train Diana, and even 10 times as hard? Way too abrupt change of heart.
Some of the camera work. Action scenes were overall good but some of the close up shots at Diana's face just seems odd. They linger too long and the fact that she maintains a robotic composure throughout that shot just looks unnatural. Some of it honestly reminded me of shampoo ads and took me out of the moment, especially with the slow-mo.
After refusing to crush Dr Poison with the tank, the way she dispatched Ares just felt to quick and easy. Almost looked like she wasn't using any effort, which to me kind of detracted from her struggles and took a bit away from the catharsis.
Villains seemed underdeveloped. Not much to be said here, just my personal opinion.
More can be done to build up no man's land scene. For example, after Steve Trevor tells her that they can't save everyone in this war, give her a few more seconds before showing her resolve. That way it wouldn't seem so unnaturally abrupt IMO.
Solid 8/10 for me. Look forward to what they do with Wonder Woman next.
An overall good film, though not without its problems
Wonder Woman is an overall good film that succeeds in making a compelling origin story about Diana. Overall, this film is a success; Gal Gadot and Chris Pine were excellent, and the film does a good job exploring some of the flaws about humanity.
Sustain:
Improve:
Solid 8/10 for me. Look forward to what they do with Wonder Woman next.