I will be the first to admit that I am not as knowledgeable about Wonder Woman as I am about Batman and that side of the DC universe. Of course I remember watching re-runs of the 1970s show and I loved watching the Justice League cartoons when I was younger and, although I know about her character and the basics of her story I never seemed to get as invested as I feel like I should. I guess seeing her as a background character more than an equal had a strange effect on me.

I’m righting that wrong, though.

Wonder Woman’s “cameo” in Batman vs Superman was the highlight for me and when I learned that they were making a Wonder Woman film I began to research into her history. The more I read the more excited I became. Of course there is so much to her history that I don’t know but I’m excited to find out.

Now, onto the review.

I. Loved. This. Film.

My mum loved this film. So far, all my friends who have seen it have loved it.

Here there be spoilers.

From the opening to the final moments of the film I found myself captivated. The cinematography was perfect. The casting was on point. The soundtrack, which I’m listening to now, was beautifully done. In fact, I could go on about everything I loved about the film but I have decided to focus on three things that I loved…

The first twenty or so minutes. The time spent on Themyscira with the Amazons was incredibly empowering. One of my friends spoke openly about how she could not recall seeing something like that in all the films she’d seen.

As in, twenty minutes with no male characters.

Twenty minutes where it was just powerful women.

In the first twenty minutes this film passes the Bechdel test.

Watching Diana’s interactions with her mother and her aunt and the other women was amazing. (No pun intended). Seeing the women training and showing strength in multiple ways. Not to mention the costumes – which were designed to show strength. In fact, the first time we see any form of “objectification” is when Diana walks in on Steve. There was no embarrassment on her behalf, and just a little on his. I also thought that this was tastefully done.

Moving the setting from World War 2 to World War 1 was a second thing that I truly loved. As someone who majored in History I always find it interesting to see how different wars are portrayed and, from experience, whenever I see a film about a different real world conflict I research it. So, maybe this will encourage my students to learn a little more about our history – especially seeing as quite a few Kiwis served during the First World War.

The setting change allowed for more fun with costuming as well. I loved the scene where Diana is trying on the clothes and testing them for flexibility. It highlighted the constricting nature of fashion. Plus, Diana’s innocence, which I feel is never exploited. There were points were this film could have easily gone down predictable roads but it didn’t.

Finally, just the diversity and chemistry between the characters. Every single character had a place and they worked so well together. Gal Gadot and Chris Pine were perfect for their roles. Even Lucy Davis’s Etta Candy was an utter delight and didn’t get enough screen time.

I could go into so much more detail but I have to see the film again. It is definitely one of my top films this year. In fact, it’s a film that I will definitely go back to and one that I will buy as soon as it becomes available on DVD. Something I normally only reserve for Star Wars now-a-days.

For now, I am going to continue with my reading up about Wonder Woman. I will spend my hard earned teacher money on graphic novels and save up for San Diego Comic Con which I’m attending.

At the moment Wonder Woman gets a solid 8.5 Amazonian Swords out of 10. And this might go up after my second viewing.

Excuse me while I research cosplay ideas …

Peace and Pancakes.