Wonder Woman (2017) Movie Review

Posted on by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes

Summary: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Director: Patty Jenkins

Writers: Allan Heinberg (screenplay and story), Scott Snyder (story), Jason Fuchs (story) and William Moulton Marston (created Wonder Woman)

Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielson, Robin Wright, and more!

Also in the DC Extended Universe:
Man of Steel (2013)
Suicide Squad Extended Cut (2016)
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition (2016)
Aquaman (2018)

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   Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman (2017) presents us with the most successful female-lead superhero movie to date. While the DCEU has been bullied since its debut with Man of Steel (2013) and has known nothing but hate from countless viewers and critics, Gal Gadot (known for her role in the Fast & Furious series) pummels her way to triumph with a well-crafted story, well-rounded characters, adequate setting and a memorable and timely message to leave the theaters with. Wonder Woman (2017) is an origin story told right after the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). Born and raised on the island of Themyscira where all the Amazons live, Diana Prince is raised under the guidance of her mother Hippolyta (played by Gladiator‘s Connie Nielson) and aunt Antiope (played by House of Card‘s Robin Wright).  While her mother tells her stories about her father Zeus and the evil of Ares, she also forbids her daughter to embrace the life of an Amazonian warrior. Antiope however believes that Diana’s destiny is much bigger than what other’s want for her and offers guidance and training. High-spirited, hope-filled and driven, this is how a little girl fights for what she believes in.

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   As she grows up and quickly becomes an unstoppable force, her world is suddenly cracked open with the arrival of Steve Trevor (played by Star Trek‘s Chris Pine). His crash landing brings Diana Prince to her first encounter with the outside world, especially men, and brings him to inform her of a war (World War I) that she strongly believes is the doing of the god of war Ares. Thus, Diana and Steve are set on a journey to end this war. Although the focus remains the restoration of peace for humanity, this movie offers us so much more with the loss of innocence in our soon to be member of the Justice League. Packed with phenomenal CGI-heavy action sequences, outstanding performances by lead star Gal Gadot and co-star Chris Pine, excellent supporting cast with their perfect comic relief and a solid as well as clever story to better understand our favourite princess of the Amazons, Wonder Woman (2017) is the DC movie to keep all the haters quiet and to make all the fans squirm in ecstasy.

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     Gal Gadot was without a doubt an excellent and perfect selection for the role of Wonder Woman. Not only is she stunning and draws the attention of everyone under any disguise, she also embodies hope, joy and innocence in one nifty and complete package. Having played very few roles in Hollywood movies, doubt could only crawl its way into my mind when it comes to her acting skills. It was a pleasant and wonderful surprise to see how she brilliantly played her role as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman (2017). Throughout the movie, it felt like we were presented with a child that was finally released into the outside world for the very first time without any prejudice or negative experience to taint her views. Her first impressions of everything were always so cute and genuine. I mean, one of my favourite scenes, taken straight out of the comics, was Diana Prince discovering ice cream. ❤ However, a lingering after-thought would always pop up and remind you how devastating the truth will be on her when the time comes. It’s easy to think that this movie would come out with a feminist agenda, but in the end, with the help of excellent writers, a perfect director and outstanding actors, the movie served not as women empowerment, but humanity empowerment. In Wonder Woman, everyone can find hope, strength and virtue.

     You’d think that Chris Pine wouldn’t have enough focus throughout the movie with Wonder Woman being the main character, but things worked out quite well for his character. His modesty and ability to prioritize the world before himself shines throughout the movie. His chemistry with Wonder Woman is astonishing as they share countless important dialogues together and leave us pondering on important every day subjects. One of my favourite scene was definitely the one we get early in the movie as they sail their way out of Themyscira. If anything, it was an absolutely golden moment. Unfortunately, one of the parts that less appealed to me was around the finale with a cheesy as hell goodbye sequence we get as Wonder Woman finally remembers what Steve Trevor tells her before he sacrifices himself for the greater good. While it was too much for my taste, it was also the perfect and only direction the movie could’ve went. I do have to say that I loved the whole “It’s not about deserve, it’s about what you believe” bit as it has been something I myself have always preached about. I loved how they conveyed that message and how powerful it was in the rise of Wonder Woman and the death of her innocence.

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     The supporting cast was also amazing and rarely ever made me cringe. The humour that they produced helped alleviate the darker tone of the movie at a steady and perfect rhythm. From Steve Trevor’s secretary Etta to Sameer the spy, you just couldn’t help but indulge the comic relief and embrace the joyous sequences during a time period that was filled with misery and death. I also loved how Diana Prince’s own innocence and sense of exploration plays a big role in delivering humour throughout the movie. If there’s anything to retain from this movie, it’s definitely that we can trust Patty Jenkins to direct a fantastic Wonder Woman movie without worrying about the execution. While the humour played in contrast with the darker tone of the movie, there was also a beautiful, uplifting and clever play with colors throughout the movie thanks to Wonder Woman’s armor. You just can’t help but relish those moments when the spark of bullets on armor and shield enhances the red, blue and gold of her armor and creates a truly admirable eye candy out of Wonder Woman. How her colors shine brighter in an environment so dark and sinister just simply enhances the ray of hope that she brings to this world.

     Now, the big question that usually haunts a lot of superhero movies: Are the villains worthy and well-developed opponents? Wonder Woman (2017) offers with a ruse with the presentation of Doctor Poison and general Ludendorff as our main villains. As Doctor Poison develops a deadly hydrogen-based gas that simply can’t be stopped and Ludendorff inhales an unknown strength enhancer (was it an origin teaser for Batman’s longtime villain, Bane?), Wonder Woman attempts to hunt down the general believing that he is the god of war in disguise and Steve Trevor attempts to stop the release of the deadly gas that would have killed countless innocent individuals. The revelation that the god of war was actually Sir Patrick was an excellent plot twist, but I think the impact was less impressive on me as I had a feeling that the actor (David Thewlis, also known for his role as Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter series) would have a bigger role than what we were brought to believe. From the moment he appeared in the bar wanting to be in on the plan, I just knew something was off with him.

     Nonetheless, the revelation was perfect and his monologue explaining himself as the god of truth was fascinating and splendid. There’s actually no other character development that could’ve been done for the god of war Ares too. He was initially presented as a myth and a god that played with the minds of humans, and was kept a secret for Diana Prince to discover for herself when the time was right. Using Doctor Poison as a bait to transform Wonder Woman into a killer who won’t ever believe in the good of people anymore added to both Ares’ development and penultimate plan, as well as Wonder Woman’s transformation. In the end, the villains in this movie were developed as much as necessary and nothing more was needed. The villain department is definitely one that can be checked off as a success in this movie.

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     The action scenes in this movie were just mind-blowing. I felt like a little kid watching them. There were teasers and foreshadowing for combat strategies very early in the movie that get used at absolutely epic moments later on in the movies too. While a lot of the scenes were enhanced with CGI, there’s not a single moment that your jaw won’t be on the ground and your eyes wide open at the brutality and majestic touch to the fighting style. From the No Man’s Land scene to the shield-jump-to-obliterate-a-sniper scene, Wonder Woman (2017) nails the action sequences with absolute grace. The final battle was one that was filled with CGI as well, the kind of scene that would stir some controversy among critics. If you ask me, the decision to do it so was excellent and well-justified. We’re talking about Wonder Woman after all. She has never been about mortal villains who don’t have powers or what not. A battle with Ares deserved exactly what we got. I have to say that I also loved the design they went with for Ares’ armor and the way he delivered his monologue while bringing forth chaos. Even if Wonder Woman destroys Ares with extreme ease after realizing what Steve Trevor does for the world, you can see that it was a moment of self-discovery that was being put under the spotlight.

     Wonder Woman (2017) is definitely among DC’s best superhero movies out right now. It surpasses expectations and delivers a solid movie that knew exactly what it wanted to tell. While it is an origin story for Wonder Woman, it is also a movie that showcases what the princess of the Amazons stands for and how she learns about her own purpose in the world of mortals. Gal Gadot will probably go down as the best portrayal of Diana Prince in the history of superhero movies, and one can only be excited to see her reprising her role in future DCEU movies. While you initially wonder why DC decided to release Batman v. Superman (2013) before all these origin movies, I’m starting to think that this strategy might also help in building our attachment to the characters and add some replay value to past movies. I know I’d want to see Wonder Woman’s first appearance again now that I know what she’s been through before. Can we also give a round of applause for that iconic Wonder Woman score that was initially used in Batman v. Superman (2013) making a timely and perfect appearance in Wonder Woman (2017)? Definitely sent shivers down my spine.

Wonder Woman (2017) is not exactly based on one particular Wonder Woman story, but you should definitely check out Justice League (Volume 1) Origins by Geoff Johns as well as Wonder Woman (Volume 1) Blood by Brian Azzarello.
Have you read the comics? Did you see the movie yet?

I’d love to talk about it with you! Tell me what you thought of Wonder Woman (2017)! 🙂

MY OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)

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Published by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes

Reader. Reviewer. Researcher. Criminology Ph.D. Candidate. Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Want to know more? Connect with him!

59 thoughts on “Wonder Woman (2017) Movie Review”

      2. I found that there was much more positive things being spread about this movie before international release than anything before. It made me wonder if something was wrong with critics and that I’d end up hating the movie in the end. Good to come out of the theaters with positive vibes about this. Definitely a step in the right direction for DC movies in regards to the hate that it has been getting compared to Marvel movies.

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  4. I’m on the fence. See, I really LIKED Man of Steel and liked the directors cut of BvS, so when all the haters start praising another movie, I have to wonder if I’m going to like it. I’m definitely going to be watching it, so a little time will solve my dilemma 🙂

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    1. I had the exact same thoughts about Wonder Woman when I started hearing about all the positive reviews it was getting. Seeing it have better scores than past DC and Marvel movies really made me wonder if there was something wrong with the movie. It turns out that it was still a fantastic movie that gladly continues the epicness of the past 3 DCEU movies. Hope you enjoy it when you get around to it man.

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  5. Ah I had to opt for the spoiler free 😉 I had been discussing this one with a friend. I was hoping for a girl’s night viewing, but alas she went yesterday. So sadly, since my nonhubs is traveling and I am not able to physically drive, this one has to wait a bit. So your wonderful review is tearing my heart in two. I hope you are pleased with yourself 😛

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    1. No worries! I had a pretty good feeling that there might be peepz out there who haven’t had the chance to check it out yet. I wouldn’t recommend the spoiler-filled section. Ever. 😀 I’m so sorry to hear about that..bad..bad.. friend of yours. I would have gladly checked the movie again with ya if only you didn’t live so far away!! This is one movie I plan on checking out multiple times (and get that bluray for my collection). I do hope you enjoy it when you get the opportunity to check it out Danielle! As for the effect of my review.. well.. *evil laugh* 😀

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  6. Sometimes I feel like I should be watching more movies I’m a little out of the loop. I’m sure matt will make me watch it eventually though haha

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  7. Such a great review! I haven’t seen the movie yet but watched the trailer a couple days ago and it sounds so, so good. I really want to run to the movies to watch it now ahah 🙂

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  8. I haven’t read the comics but I am definitely going to be checking out the movie at some point (I’m not sure if it’s been released in the UK yet but if it has I am going to see immediately if my friend wants to go and see it with me!) It looks amazing and I am so glad you enjoyed this film Lashaan! 🙂
    Great review.

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    1. Thanks Beth! No worries about reading the comics regarding Wonder Woman. It’s not necessary at all. If anything, people who enjoy the movie enough to want to read more about the character should definitely check out the comics or the animated movies with Wonder Woman. I believe the movie is out in the UK (I have blogger friends who have already seen it there) and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did when you get the time for it!! Enjoy!! 😉

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      1. That’s all right, and yeah it seems that way for a lot of comic book based movies. You don’t have to have read the source material to love the film. I’m sure Wonder Woman will be the same. 🙂 If I enjoy the movie I’ll definitely be checking out some of the comic books.
        In that case I really need to text my friend and see if she wants to see it! 😀
        Thanks Lashaan.

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  10. Fantastic review. I’ve wachted the trailer probably about a hundred times, waiting for it to come out and praying that it would be good (unlike Suicide Squad which also had a good trailer but was a huge disappointment to me) so I’m really happy it’s getting so many great reviews. I wish I could go out and see it but sadly I have to wait two more weeks until it comes out in my country. But it’ll be worth the wait! 🙂

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    1. Oh, thank you soo much!! Suicide Squad was an enjoyable movie, badly marketed though. It definitely has plenty of plot holes and could’ve been a far more superior movie if they had simply adapted the animated movie based on the Suicide Squad. I can however vouch that Wonder Woman is on a different level and its awesomeness is real!! I do hope those two weeks flies by quickly so you could finally watch it!!! Soo goood! Gal Gadot ❤ 😀

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  12. So… did you like the movie?

    bwahahaha, just kidding! I could feel your love for it through out the review! XD You really did like the movie… I haven’t seen it myself yet.. probably won’t for a long time either, but it’s great to read your thoughts and to have something to look forward to! Brilliant review!

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    1. Hahahah, yeh, me and DC.. it’ll be hard to make me thoroughly hate anything. It takes a lot of focus and self-discipline for me to say bad things about DC superheroes. 😀 😀 Thank you so much for reading my review even if your interest for the movie isn’t Everest high. 😛 Hopefully someone will come around to force you to watch it and find out how awesome it is (hopefully hahaha) 😀

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  14. As always, a brilliant review 😊 I absolutely can’t wait to see WW, I have heard so many good things. Honestly, I’m kind of glad DC had a win with this one…its been a long time coming!!

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    1. Awn, thank you so much! I really appreciate that!! I assure that it’s going to be wild and awesome ride. Hope you get to watch it real, real soon! DC sure does get a lot of heat with its extended universe. It’s nice to have Wonder Woman come say the day. 😀

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  15. Wonderful (pun fully intended) good sir, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your perspective on this. I especially love it when you talk about “humanity empowerment” which is something I (and I’m sure many other viewers) took away from the film. I’ve enjoyed the DCEU offerings thus far and whilst Man of Steel is probably my fave Wonder Woman is close behind and I think it’s a great template for future DC films and start turning a few “haters” into “appreciators”… roll on Justice League!

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    1. Thanks man. I appreciate it. I honestly need to rewatch Man of Steel. My first viewing in theaters left me with a 6/10 feeling. I never tried to rewatch it since. Wonder Woman definitely rescued the DCEU in regards to critics appreciation. Hopefully Justice League won’t fall apart when they face the critics. It’s now all in the hands of Joss Whedon. I hear there’s reshoots going on right as we speak too.. All we can do is pray man.

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  17. ooh I’m so glad this is such a good Wonder Woman movie (and that DC is finally managing to redeem itself) It sounds like it’s really back to basics in terms of story and characters- which is great- because I don’t feel like the dc movies have really done that so far. Anyway, excited to see this one for sure!!

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    1. Hey! Hey now! All three movies so far have been great character-wise and plot-wise!!!! I’m kidding hahaha They could’ve all definitely been better. Wonder Woman is one that is much harder to argue about and that really delivers on all fronts. Hope you enjoy it when you get the time to watch it!!! 😀

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      1. hahahaha I thought you were serious…. for all of a split second 😉 I think there were good parts… and not so good parts to the DC films so far- but nothing so good since the Dark Knight (actually I still enjoyed Dark Knight Rises for all its flaws). I’m so glad about that!! Thank you 😀

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  19. Okay so i was waiting to read this until I saw it but I still haven’t yet so I succumbed but then missed the spoiler part and was a little taken aback when I hit one, lol. So okay my first thought was smart… Still I understand Gal Gadot is by turns totally perfect and well under paid (which is just sad!) I was totally rooting for this movie and am so glad it was favorable in most watcher’s eyes… I’m not surprised Chris Pine was good in sharing the spotlight, he impressed me that way in the past. I can’t wait to see it now after reading about how her armor enhanced the scenes and the ice cream innocence!

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    1. Oh nooooo, I feel bad that you got spoiled. 😦 I do hope it’ll improve your viewing by making you pay attention to things that maybe would’ve been skimmed over quickly on screen. I’ve heard about the whole underpaid story regarding Gal Gadot and it is quite sad. I’m not sure what the reasons are, but at first I thought it was just because she wasn’t too involved in too many movies (I mean.. I only knew her from the Fast and Furious movies). But then it seems like, even with that taken into consideration, she’s really underpaid. But one thing’s for sure… She’ll probably be “worth” so much more now, after the HUGE success of Wonder Woman. 😛 Chris Pine was definitely excellent, he’s a pretty good actor too (I recently saw him in Hell of High Water and he was phenomenal in it), but I can’t vouch for his performance in his Star Trek movies since I haven’t seen any of those yet hahah. Hope you find the time to check out Wonder Woman really soon!!! Enjoy, Dani!! 🙂

      P.S. Thank you so much for coming back to my review to read it even if you still hadn’t seen the movie! I appreciate the gesture!!

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      1. No problem… I just wasn’t paying attention… reading along, lol! Unfortunately woman are quite underpaid no matter their draw, but at least Gal is getting recognition that will turn into future roles. Nothing worse for an actor than not working… ❤️

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  21. I was a little bit let down by the villain, because like you, I knew that the actor would be given a bigger role. Also, the ending wasn’t all I wanted it to be, but despite what I just said, I LOVED this movie. I cried at the most random times, mostly the fight scenes, because I was just so happy to see a badass woman on screen.

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    1. So glad to find someone else who thought the same. I mean, it would’ve been insane to think otherwise right? Lupin is screaming at us on his real identity! 😛 I did however enjoy the villain as a character though, just not the reveal so much. The idea of turning Wonder Woman into a killer and the way he monologues his way of life definitely satisfied me.

      Got to admit that Gal Gadot really kicked ass on scream. I just adored that church destruction moment where she just went flying into the sniper. Well, actually, every battle scene with her was gold ❤ I just CAN'T wait to see her again in Justice League and then Wonder Woman 2, whenever that's going to happen hahaha 😀

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      1. I think the reveal was what irked me most too and then that tainted the character as a whole for me. But I often find that specific casting of people can give away the importance of a character, even when they don’t meant to do it.

        I never thought I’d actually be excited about DC’s cinematic universe ever again, but Wonder Woman has turned the tide.

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      2. Yep. I haven’t had such an issue before yet though. I just thought that director’s would realize that if they wanted to keep a “reveal” a super big surprise, they better not do it thinking we wouldn’t pay attention to certain actor’s who we already love because of their filmography hahaha

        Now, hearing things like that definitely makes me happy! I’ll always be excited for their movies cause well… I love DC ❤ But yeh, the DCEU suffered a lot of criticism for their past movies, but if Wonder Woman can act as the savior of the DCEU, I'll take it. 😀

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      3. I have that problem in Austrian TV ALL. THE. TIME! It’s crazy.

        I like DC (although I have waaaay more Marvel stuff), but the movies really didn’t do it for me. WW was great though!!!

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