Little did I know a perfect candidate would appear much later! It’s Gal Gadot, who stars in this 2017 Wonder Woman movie, which is directed by Patty Jenkins. Although no Wonder Woman motion picture could possibly live up to my high expectations, Gidot manages to imbue her performance with Wonder Woman characteristics I admire, especially strength, courage, and compassion. So, of course, a poem must follow.
Young Diana decides to go
into a world she does not know
where humans fight and kill and rage
where warfare takes up center stage.
Super heroes we’ve seen enough,
but Wonder Woman sure is tough.
Her armor and her gold lasso
brightly gleam to scare the foe.
It’s fun to see a girl so strong
growing up to fight what is wrong.
Gal Gadot really looks the part --
the epitome of DC art.
Special effects dazzle the eyes
as Wonder Woman jumps through skies.
Though this film lagged for me a bit.
I’m glad it is a great big hit.
For Wonder Woman girls can cheer
without feeling a hint of fear.
And guys can also shout “Hooray”
when Wonder Woman saves the day.
Ably helping Diana in her mission is Steve Trever (the oh-so fine Chris Pine), a pilot/spy who wants to stop World War I carnage, at first particularly in No Man’s Land. Steve and Diana work well together despite Diana’s naïve attitude, bold warrior actions and lack of understanding about battlefield etiquette. The more they are together, the more they care about each other. Unfortunately, let’s face the big problem: it’s not easy to win a battle with Ares, the God of War.
And, who is Ares? That’s the mystery here, my friends. Naturally, I can’t reveal the answer, but it won’t hurt to mention that supporting actors Danny Huston as a German officer, David Thewlis as a British VIP, and Elena Anaya as a scientist dabbling with poison gas might be in the running.
I should also let you know that the ending of the movie leads us to believe there will be more Wonder Woman movies. Considering the blockbuster status of this release, it will probably be followed by many sequels.
(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)
NOTE: This review is dedicated to my sister Ruella Anderson, a real-life Wonder Woman.
Review also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.
But, I can see the fascination, particularly of women of the kind of woman who can take charge and lead in good causes going back to Joan d'Arc and even beyond with Cleopatra and Helen of Troy to name two of many female box office divas.
A recent roundtable discussion at the writers' group that I attend concerned how to create strong female characters. I think we can draw from life to do that. But when we have women doing male physicality in action scenes, it does seem a bit unreal.
Ron
I enjoyed reading your informative, interesting review.
m