wonder woman, gal gadot, female superheroes

In Defense of ‘Wonder Woman’

A couple of days ago, I read an article in a prominent magazine by a journalist/freelance writer who didn’t like “Wonder Woman” – the movie! “What? No, you can’t be serious,” I thought to myself.  So I read her piece and was confused a little by her take on the movie. She compared it to “Sicario,” starring Emily Blunt as an FBI agent given a top assignment (usually not for women) to help stop the drug wars. If you haven’t seen it, it was very well done, serious and realistic. Emily Blunt was excellent.

The comparison bothered me, and also the writer’s great disappointment in “Wonder Woman.” I don’t know about you, but I loved it. Here is what I wrote in the comment box (it’s probably only the 3rd time I’ve ever commented on something someone has written).

Writer’s name, I am fine with you not liking “Wonder Woman.” We all have different tastes.

I went into the movie with an open mind and happy to finally get a female superhero movie. What I got was a fun, sweet story of Diana’s origin, with a handsome man as her partner (and blooming love interest), strong amazon women who strive for peace, and a villain that needed to be concurred.

I thought Gal was perfect as “Wonder Woman” (and gorgeous). She showed naivete, kindness, toughness, humor and an innocence. She was stubborn and searched for the truth and for peace. She showed her toughness throughout, and at the end said that she believed in love.

I wasn’t expecting an Oscar nominated movie. It’s “Wonder Woman.” I got what I expected. A well done story reminiscent of an Indiana Jones type vibe. Actually, it was better than I expected, because I love how they told her story.

For me it was fun entertainment with a fabulous looking cast, great costumes and nice cinematography.

Of course I also liked that the women were the stars.

I hope we get a great sequel, because I really enjoyed this one.

You mentioned “Sicario,” starring Emily Blunt. I do love her, but I don’t think you can compare the two. One is about real life, and one is based on a comic book superhero. 🙂 They are completely different types of movies. I think as movie goers, we need to take movies for what they are.

I must say that I always am for successful movies starring women.

Take care, Kim

She had a nice response, and I think she may have realized she was over critical.  Maybe she really didn’t like the film, but I sure did. Gal and Chris were fantastic.  I initially thought someone else should have been cast as the lead, but nobody could be better than Gal. She is stunning, sensitive, cool, tough and just downright awesome.

I loved the movie – it was total entertainment – and I loved the story of how she arrived at where she is. I also loved the humor and wish they had a little more romance. I just hope they can bring back Chris somehow for the sequel!

Cudos to Patty Jenkins, Connie Nielsen and, of course, Robin Wright, too! Great great cast!

What do you guys think? Did you love Wonder Woman? Do you like Gal in the starring role? 

Comments

4 responses to “In Defense of ‘Wonder Woman’”

  1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

    I loved it, too! Gal Gadot is fantastic as Wonder Woman, and I thought the movie was a great combo of superhero action, humor and heart. I would have loved a little more romance, too. Maybe they can figure out how to get Chris Pine back from the dead for the sequel. 🙂

    1. Kimberly Strand Avatar
      Kimberly Strand

      🙂

      Another post coming – hopefully tomorrow.

      Thanks for your e-mail. Things much better for you!

      I’ll write soon!

      Kim

  2. Paula Schwartz Avatar
    Paula Schwartz

    I couldn’t agree with you more. Wonder Woman is not Citizen Kane but it will go down in film history for a number of reasons, not least of which Patty Jenkins proved (as though it need proving) that a woman director could helm a blockbuster superhero movie. This is huge! This opens the door for more women directors behind the controls of superhero and other franchise films. It’s about time!!!! Most women I’ve spoken to leave Wonder Woman with a high, a feeling of empowerment. I am not a great fan of the superhero genre but Wonder Woman is probably the best of the bunch and stars a woman directed by a woman. For a female film lover it doesn’t get much better than this. I liked your post!!!!

    1. Kimberly J Strand Avatar
      Kimberly J Strand

      Spot on Paula! I can’t wait for Patty (please) to direct WW II and other female driven films!

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