Narrative Film Review Countdown to the Red Carpet #7

Narrative Film Review Countdown to the Red Carpet #7

Posted by on Feb 25, 2018

Wonder Woman – First, let me go on record, that both Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot were snubbed by the Academy and other award-issuing guilds and media, not for the fact that the film was the third highest-grossing movie domestically for 2017, but because it was a joy ride that was artistically and technically entertaining and good storytelling. Next, I thoroughly enjoyed the film for reasons I will briefly outline, however let me simply state that this is not a feminist film that will eclipse all the movies to date that have objectified, discounted, or minimized the importance of women in life or characters in movies. This is a superhero movie, based on a comic book, and in this case, the superhero is a kick-ass woman who is beautiful, smart, and powerful, waging a battle against war. Who would not enjoy watching that story? Here’s what you’ll see: Amazing special effects, Amazon women on horses doing slow-motion acrobatics in the air with bows and arrows, choreographed like modern dance; fight scenes that for the most part are not gratuitous, classic confrontations with good and evil (always exaggerated using comic book conventions so you are never confused about who to root for), consistent acting by leads and supporting characters that includes a band of ethnically and culturally-diverse misfit heroes, and historical settings which are alternately realistic and impressionistic. What you’ll hear is a great soundtrack that swells with emotion on cue, sometimes inconsistent or wonky accents (always a challenge), and a screenplay that is for the most part smart, laden with some great lines that the audience reacted to enthusiastically. Here’s my favorite, “I’m both frightened and aroused.” My recommendation to filmgoers, especially women, “suspend your disbelief,” sit back in your seat, and enjoy Wonder Woman waging peace.

 

Can’t wait to read more? Visit the blog where there are more reviews for: Documentaries, The Best Foreign Film, Honorable Mention, Films I Haven’t Seen Yet, Guilty Pleasures, Films I Wanted to Like More Than I Did, Films I Chose Not to See, and, Dream Double Features.