With the release of Wonder Woman, the iconic heroine created by William Moulton Marston finally received her long-overdue origin story on the big screen.

Up until the other day, I wasn’t sure I was going to see this film. That hesitation mostly stemmed from how Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice turned out—I had so many issues with it that I never even bothered to write a review. I can suspend disbelief, but only so far. The idea that Kentucky would elect a Democrat to the U.S. Senate? That was a bridge too far. But once the early reactions and reviews for Wonder Woman started rolling in, I put aside my low expectations and realized I had to give it a chance, especially with its record-breaking opening for a female director.

In present-day Paris, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) receives a photograph from Bruce Wayne that stirs memories of her past. The photo, taken during World War I, shows Diana alongside four men, prompting her to recall the events that turned her into Wonder Woman. Raised on the hidden island of Themyscira among the Amazon warriors, Diana was trained from a young age to be a fierce protector. When American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes off the island’s coast, bringing word of a devastating global war, Diana believes the Amazonian enemy Ares must be behind it. Defying her mother’s wishes, she leaves with Steve, convinced she can stop the war by defeating Ares.

Diana and Steve arrive in London and, with the help of a small team, head to the Western Front. After a heroic charge through No Man’s Land, Diana liberates a village and grows closer to Steve. Believing General Ludendorff (Danny Huston) is Ares in disguise, she kills him—but the war rages on. The real Ares, posing as British politician Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), reveals himself and argues that humanity is inherently corrupt. Moved by Steve’s sacrifice—he dies destroying a plane full of poison gas—Diana finds the strength to resist Ares’s influence. Embracing her divine power, she defeats him and fully steps into her role as a warrior for peace.

Back in the present, Diana reaffirms her commitment to protecting the world, inspired by love, loss, and the enduring belief in humanity’s potential for good.

Unlike the comic books, the film sets the story during World War I instead of World War II. The filmmakers made this change in part because the war’s end coincided with the rise of the suffragette movement. Whether or not that was the right call is up for debate, but either way, the film is still amazing and absolutely lives up to the hype.

I’m curious whether future Wonder Woman films will continue exploring Diana’s past or bring her story fully into the present-day DC Extended Universe. Chris Pine, signed for multiple films, presents a challenge: if the timeline moves forward, Steve Trevor’s appearances would be limited to flashbacks. And unlike Diana, Steve doesn’t age slowly—something the film leans into emotionally, adding weight to his sacrifice. (Edit: We saw how they did this with Wonder Woman 1984, a film that I admit to being much too generous in my review.)

The No Man’s Land sequence stands out as the film’s emotional and visual high point. What begins as a quiet refusal to accept the inhumanity of war turns into a breathtaking display of heroism, as Diana climbs out of the trenches and walks directly into enemy fire. It’s not just a stunning action moment—it’s the moment she becomes Wonder Woman. The scene is masterfully staged and deeply affecting, a bold reminder that heroism is rooted in compassion and conviction as much as strength. It’s an iconic moment that one can watch again and again.

The score by Rupert Gregson-Williams elevates this moment and the film as a whole. Bold, stirring, and emotionally charged, the music underscores Diana’s journey without overpowering it. The soundtrack also incorporates Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL’s “Is She with You?” theme from Batman v Superman, tying Diana’s story to her larger role in the DCEU. The theme’s electric cello riff remains unforgettable—instantly recognizable and now firmly associated with Wonder Woman herself.

Wonder Woman is more than just a long-awaited origin story — it’s a triumphant breakthrough that combines compelling storytelling, memorable performances, and breathtaking action. Patty Jenkins delivers a fresh, empowering vision that redefines what a superhero film can be, balancing heart and heroism with skill and sincerity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Diana’s world, this movie proves that Wonder Woman is not only ready to lead the DCEU but to stand tall among the greats of the genre.

A must-see for superhero fans and newcomers alike, Wonder Woman soars with grace, power, and an inspiring message that resonates far beyond the screen.

DIRECTOR: Patty Jenkins
SCREENWRITER: Allan Heinberg
CAST: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Saïd Taghmaoui, Eugene Brave Rock

Warner Bros. Pictures released Wonder Woman in theaters on June 2, 2017. Grade: 5/5

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