Who is Wonder Woman? The answer is more complex than it might seem, as those familiar with her comic-book roots can attest.
Fortunately, the latest big-screen superhero origin story fares better than most, in part because it remains steadfast in its commitment to the character, rather than drowning her in special effects or aggressively positioning her within her obligatory comic universe.
The clever story seamlessly mixes Greek mythology with real-life history, beginning with the upbringing of Diana (Gal Gadot), an Amazon princess trained to become a warrior in the footsteps of her mother (Connie Nielsen).
Her first exposure to the outside world, and the opposite sex, comes when she instinctively rescues a pilot (Chris Pine) who crashes into the sea. When he explains his role in World War I, Diana wants to help solve the conflict, unaware of its true nature.
Finding herself in 1920s-era Germany, the resulting adventure not only forces Diana to discover her identity as Wonder Woman — and its accompanying powers — but it unleashes some secrets about her past that put her in peril, facing dangers that only she can solve.
Some taut action sequences provide a visual highlight among the technical proficiencies, even if director Patty Jenkins (Monster) relies too heavily on slow motion as Diana stylishly unleashes her impressive array of weaponry that includes swords, knives, a magical rope, and her no-nonsense boots.
While accommodating fans with a few insider references, the screenplay by veteran comic-book and television writer Allan Heinberg is flimsier with regard to sociopolitical subtext and historical accuracy, which is beside the point.
However, for a film that so intricately explores the past of its character, you wish it could have found some significant flaws or vulnerabilities. Instead, Diana’s only weakness appears to be an idealistic naïveté from her lack of familiarity with life on Earth.
Israeli actress (and Furious 7 role player) Gadot’s performance conveys an appropriate toughness and resiliency as the film builds to an inevitable semi-coherent, elaborate finale filled with widespread destruction and the future of mankind in the balance.
Rather than merely functioning as a prelude to the upcoming Justice League movie — the trailer for which is unveiled beforehand, to stay on-brand — Wonder Woman stands capably on its own, showcasing a feminist heroine who exhibits both brains and brawn.
