WONDER WOMAN REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

It's hard to believe that it's taken this long to create a feature film adaptation of Wonder Woman who is, arguably, the most famous female superhero from a comic book. The titular superhero made her first appearance in 'All Star Supercomics #8' in 1941 and first cover-dated on Sensation Comics #1, January 1942. The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986. Because of her popularity, a TV series was adapted from the comic books with Lynda Carter portraying Wonder Woman. It was successful and ran from 1975 until 1979. Unfortunately, it wasn't until 2016 when Wonder Woman resurfaced in the critically-panned Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. As portrayed by Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman had a cameo role and we watched as she used her fighting skills and strength. It was probably the only good thing about the film as it hyped audiences up for her origins film which has finally been released and is certainly worth the wait.
An Amazon princess, Diana (Gadot), finds her idyllic life on an island occupied only by female warriors interrupted when a pilot, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), crash-lands nearby. After rescuing him, she learns that World War I is engulfing the planet, and vows to use her superpowers to restore peace. 
It's hard to believe this is only the second film Patty Jenkins has directed since her debut, Monster, was released in 2003. It was that film that gained her recognition and won Charlize Theron her first Academy Award for her unfiltered performance as the convicted serial killer, Aileen Wuornos. However, despite Monster's success, Jenkins has directed episodes of various TV series including Entourage and The Killing. Finally, 14 years later, Jenkins returns with her second film and it certainly disappoint. There must have been a lot of pressure to create, not only an cinematic adaptation of Wonder Woman, but one that will please fans of the superhero. I doubt they'll be disappointed as Jenkins successfully captures Wonder Woman's origins and her determination and strength. It's full of action and it also doesn't shy away from showing the true horrors of the First World War which is when this film takes place. The sight of the war has an impact on Diana and this is what leads to her determination to find and kill Ares, the God of War. What's refreshing about Diana, as a character, is that, despite many people, including her mother who is the Queen of the Amazons (Connie Nielsen), telling her she can't do something, she goes and does it anyway. Diana isn't afraid to do what's right for not only her people but for the whole world. In a world filled with misogynists, Wonder Woman is the film we need right now. Because of its leading character, this film proves that women can be just as strong and as brave as men. The film doesn't depict women are better than men, it states that both women and men are equals and that's how it should be.
Simply put, Gadot is perfect as Wonder Woman. I haven't seen Carter's performance in the 1975 TV series so I'm not going to compare the two. Gadot brings Wonder Woman to life and the film is at its best when she's using her fighting skills to defeat enemies. Special effects were used to show how much of a skilled fighter Diana is and why she's one of the most definitive superheroes. I saw Wonder Woman in 3D and they were put to good use, instead of being a gimmick to make more money. If you can, I recommend seeing the 3D version as it has a better impact on the viewer and brings the film to life. 
In the beginning of the film, we see Diana's home and it looks beautiful. The skies are blue and the women who live there live in peace, however, they are trained to fight in case intruders attack. Once Diana leaves, we see the contrast of her home to London which is a dark, grey and miserable place because of the war. The First World War serves as a backdrop for Diana and, after Steve explains the reality of the war, it has an effect on her and she develops into the famous superhero she is known as today. 
As far as superhero-based films go, Wonder Woman is one of the best we've had this year, with Logan and the Guardians Of The Galaxy sequel falling not far behind. 
Because of the disappointments of both Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad, I understand why a lot of people were skeptical about Wonder Woman's first film. However, I highly doubt that people will be disappointed. Diana is given enough background and, because of Gadot's strong performance, it's not hard to root for her.
Pine gives a solid supporting role as Steve and what I liked about his character is that, apart from a kiss with Diana halfway through the film, the relationship the two share is mainly platonic. Jenkins knows that a romantic relationship isn't necessary and it's refreshing to see a woman and man act as friends rather than forcing in a relationship that doesn't work. That's not to say Gadot and Pine don't share a lot of chemistry as they certainly do. Steve is a good character in his own right and is always willing to do the right thing. His actions make him a likeable character and both him and Gadot work well together.
At the time of writing this, a sequel has been announced, however, Wonder Woman's next appearance will be in the much-anticipated Justice League film which is due to be released in November this year. Hopefully the quality of the film will be more like Wonder Woman and won't be a disappointment like Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad.
As one of the most anticipated films, Wonder Woman exceeded my expectations and succeeds because of Gal Gadot's strong leading performance as the titular superhero and Patty Jenkins' confident directing.
8/10