Wonder Woman

Batman v Superman's biggest cinematic folly was putting its eggs in one basket. Everybody in DC comics crowded into what was supposed to be a simple Superman sequel. But Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) made a significant impression despite her fleeting presence. She made more of an impression in her own movie, also called Wonder Woman. Let's see why.

Diana is the princess of Themyscira, the secluded island of the Amazons. They defend humanity from the manipulations of violent beings like Ares, the God of War. Her aunt, Antiope (Robin Wright), trains her in combat against the wishes of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen). Meanwhile, World War I is happening, and pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is on the run from the German Empire. He crash lands at Themyscira and Diana fishes him out. His story of "the war to end all wars" leads Diana to suspect Ares is behind it all. So she arms herself and goes with Steve to London.

The evil General Ludendorff (Danny Huston) and his top scientist, Dr. Poison (Elena Ayana), have developed a super-advanced mustard gas. Steve has Poison's notebook with her formula. Diana has her eyes on Ludendorff, believing he is Ares incarnate. Steve and Diana head off to face Ludendorff's threat. They'll have to hurry as the Allies are drawing up the Armistice of Compiègne.

Director Patty Jenkins (Monster) works from a script by Allan Heinberg, who co-wrote the screen story with Zack Snyder and Jason Fuchs. It's a story that doesn't drown itself in CGI action or prioritize the upcoming Justice League movie. It's got action scenes, yes, and its framing device shows present-day Diana in touch with Batman. But the story is engaging and comprehensive.

Gal Gadot herself is engaging as Diana. She wants to do the right thing and is capable of doing so. Her not being allowed to frustrates her and the audience. We also feel her disillusionment with the world when she experiences war for the first time. It's also entertaining to see her experience contemporary life for the first time. Her relationship with Steve is also endearing.

And for the rest of the cast. Chris Pine is funny and serious and excellent as Steve. The same goes for his crew, Sameer (Saïd Taghmaoui), Charlie (Ewen Bremner) and Chief (Eugene Brave Rock). Lucy Davis is good comic relief as Etta Candy. The Amazons, especially Nielsen and Wright, were great. Huston and Ayana were strong villains, though her resolution was kind of abrupt. David Thewlis also made an impression as the kindly Sir Morgan, a man who's got more than he lets on.

The technical crew was also full of wonders. Production Designer Aline Bonetto and Costume Designer Lindy Hemming realize the various settings, such as Themyscira, London and the Western Front perfectly. Dr. Poison's partial face mask is a creepy sight. I don't know if that counts as costuming or makeup, but as for the makeup/hairstyling, it also works for the setting. Cinematographer Matthew Jensen gives each setting the appropriate color scheme. Edtior Martin Walsh makes the battle scenes comprehensive and forceful. The score by Rupert Gregson-Williams is also memorable and it makes good use of Diana's leitmotif from Batman v Superman.

Wonder Woman never loses sight of its goals during its 141 minute runtime. It's ultimately about Diana rising above the cruelty of reality with love, not hate. It does the world's best comic book super heroine proud. Her next appearance in Justice League is definitely anticipated now. And you might see a fleeting trailer of the biopic of her creator, William Moulton Marston, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, which doesn't have a release date yet.