10 Things I Love About the New Wonder Woman Movie (No Spoilers)
1. Gal Gadot. This newcomer gives Wonder Woman such a fresh face, enchanting naiveté, and surprising strength. She is perfectly cast in this role and holds her own, even following the incomparable footsteps of Lynda Carter. I'm a hair shy of 5'9" so it's so cool to me that Lynda is 5'9½" and Gal is 5'10". Also, I love that Wonder Woman's body has always been and continues to be healthy and strong, not waifishly thin. This sends such a good message to young girls. God made us all different. Strong is beautiful.
2. Girl power. The director, Patty Jenkins, and three out of the four top billed actors are women. Also, the tenacity and grit that Wonder Woman demonstrates time and again is so inspiring for females of all ages and truly commands respect from the opposite sex. I was so happy to watch this movie with my 12-year-old daughter. I love that it reinforced to her that princesses can save themselves and others. I was so happy to watch this movie with my nine-year-old son. I love that he got the same message. I wish there were Asian representation in the film in addition to the myriad talented people behind the camera. Had I known there would be no Asian Americans among the Amazon women, I would have gladly offered my services.
3. Robin Wright. She's been one of my favorite actresses for a long time. From The Princess Bride to Forrest Gump, The Crossing Guard, Moll Flanders, and House of Cards, she's just such a versatile and mesmerizing actor. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her as a fierce Amazonian fighter.
4. The music. As Wonder Woman is kicking booty, she is doing it to a super cool soundtrack. "Wonder Woman's Wrath" can be heard in the official movie trailer and when Gal Gadot is in fierce warrior mode. I want it to play whenever I pick up the kids from school or load the dishwasher.
5. The action. Guns, spears, bows, and arrows... the fighting sequences were outstanding. The backdrop to the action scenes, filmed in Italy, was simply breathtaking. I'm already planning to see it again this weekend with my husband. He didn't get to attend the advance screening because he had to work. Now, I get to see it twice. Yay!
6. The costumes. From Diana Prince's new Wonder Woman costume with muted colors, shiny golds, and reflective silvers to the war era outfits, this movie is just saturated with style. The renovated superhero costume emerges in this film with such awe-inspiring power that it almost deserves its own credit at the end of the movie.
7. Chris Pine. I've never been a Pine Nut (a devoted Chris Pine fan), but I can see why he has so many fans. He's charming, brave, and funny in the role of pilot Steve Trevor. He and Gal Gadot definitely have good on-screen chemistry together. Sometimes chemistry, or lack thereof, determines the success or failure of a film.
8. The humor. The film is just fun to watch. It allows room for levity as well as drama. There are many situational and relational opportunities for comedy, and the actors took full advantage of it.
9. The subtleties. There are some hints of adult themes interspersed throughout the movie, but the dialogue and videography dances around it quite adequately. There was no need for a talk about the birds and the bees with our kids.
10. The cinematography. Wonder Woman seamlessly takes you to different worlds and time periods. The continuity is astounding considering the vast differences in scenery, action sequences, emotional scenes, and special effects.
Wonder Woman delivers in her own solo film.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the upcoming Justice League movie, and hopefully more feature films of her own. It's about time.
Courage. Power. WONDER!
