My Verdict on the DCEU Version of Wonder Woman: A Detailed Review

I have a lot to say about the DCEU version of Wonder Woman. Contrary to some opinions, I find the portrayal of this legendary character to be largely satisfactory, despite a few minor tweaks needed.

The Acting Polaris: Gal Gadot

Let’s start with the leads. Gal Gadot is a force to be reckoned with. She is funny, beautiful, smart, and strong. Her performance is a joy to watch, making her character interesting and engaging.

Wonder Woman herself is not a deeply complex character, but the transition from an innocent and naive state to one of high experience works for me. She grows throughout the film, making her journey all the more compelling.

A Solid Movie: A Balance of Light-hearted Moments and Action

As a film, Wonder Woman stands out as a solid and empowering movie. It was a standout performance in the DCEU, especially considering its box office success. The movie has a lighter touch compared to the other DCEU films, focusing on establishing the origin of Diana Prince and capturing her essence.

The plot is simple yet effective, with genuine comedic moments that don't rely on one-liners. There are also some fantastic action sequences that keep the audience engaged. Although it's not perfect, it certainly deserves the praise it’s received.

Protagonist's Spiritual Journey and Character Consistency

I must admit, I had mixed feelings about how Wonder Woman's character and mythos were portrayed. The movie introduces substantial and somewhat controversial changes, such as the introduction of immortality. While the film does a great job of making her a formidable character, such a divergence from the comics can feel jarring to a die-hard fan.

For instance, the treatment of the gods and the seemingly unnecessary and tame death of Ares is something that stood out to me. It felt like a prelude to more substantial changes that were going on in the DC universe. However, the formidable portrayal of Gal Gadot certainly adds a layer of empowerment and charisma to the character.

Personal Experiences and Bias

My reaction was not solely due to the plot but also personal biases and associations. The performances of some familiar actors, such as Chris Pine and Danny Huston, may have affected my enjoyment. Moreover, my preference for a more historically accurate version of Wonder Woman, rooted in World War I and II, felt a bit ridiculous. I am certainly a fan of Marvel, and this may have influenced my perception.

While some fans, particularly women, loved the movie and were deeply moved by it, the emotional scenes did not resonate with me in the same way. Gal Gadot’s performances in the action sequences were top-notch, but the emotional depth felt somewhat lacking to me.

Conclusion: An Above-Average DCEU Entry

In summary, Wonder Woman exceeded my expectations in many ways. It is the best of the DCEU movies until now. However, it does not fully connect with the comic continuity and the mythos of the character as fans of the comics might expect. Despite this, the film is a great celebration of empowerment and female characters in the superhero genre.

Overall, my verdict is that it is a solid movie well done by Director Patty Jenkins and her crew. However, for those who are deeply entrenched in the source material, it might be a bit underwhelming.