5 Reasons Why Wonder Woman Is DC’s Best Film Since The Dark Knight

Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman is a gem. Released between two heavily-hyped MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) films, the hero's solo adventure stands as the only DC feature to debut this summer. As such, it needed to stand tall against Marvel's might lest it strengthen the stigma now surrounding many DC properties. Thankfully, it does that and so much more. Jenkins' deep understanding, coupled with her obvious love for what Diana stands for, makes her one of the only directors truly capable of delivering a film worthy of this incredible character. Gal Gadot shines bright too, of course, bringing levity and love to a titular role that requires both but guarantees neither. The glut of subpar superhero films currently being advertised and released certainly didn't bolster the movie's marketing campaign, but it did allow the picture to shine through the crap currently being pushed by DC. Batman V. Superman and Suicide Squad were both pretty underwhelming, which is why it was so important for Wonder Woman to succeed. Not to mention that both Justice League and The Batman are big unknowns right now, meaning that Jenkins' effort could be the franchise's only win for a while. On a lighter note, it's not too bold to say that Wonder Woman is DC's best effort since 2008's momentous The Dark Knight. It's not a high bar to clear by any stretch, especially given the poor reception and even poorer quality of the two aforementioned DCEU entries. However, beating out The Dark Knight Rises takes some serious work. Luckily, Wonder Woman is sublime; Jenkins crams so much excellence into a 140-minute movie that it's impossible to imagine a cut more compelling, engaging and inviting than the one we got. And here, you'll find 5 reasons why the film is so damn good. 5) The Characters Feel Like Real People Most movies can't quite convince viewers to look past the actor playing the role and immerse themselves in the character being portrayed. It's not that the viewers don't want to; it's that they can't. Whether it's uninspired direction, bad acting, or both, there's usually a reason behind being unable to suspend disbelief. Many superhero films, especially those who come stamped with the DC logo, feature characters who might as well be made of stone. It's unfair that Batman V. Superman and Suicide Squad tasked Wonder Woman with regaining the trust and admiration of millions, but the film tackles the challenge with a grace uncharacteristic of DC's efforts. Part of its success lies in its ability to breathe life and love into characters who could have been dull and lifeless. Gadot, Chris Pine, David Thewlis and many of the film's pivotal players pour vast amounts of energy and enthusiasm into their respective roles, bolstering their performances and creating the illusion that we're experiencing the film's events with them. It's a welcome deviation from the wooden delivery and forced reactions that made Henry Cavill and Amy Adams such bores in Man of Steel and Batman V Superman. Wonder Woman feels organic and intimate in ways the DCEU's preceding instalments weren't and couldn't hope to be. 4) It's An Origin Story That's Actually Needed Complaints abound when casual viewers so much as mention the dreaded “origin story.” Perhaps it's because Spider-Man has been rebooted so many times, or because Hellboy is also due for a cast and story change-up, but fans of certain franchises regard origin stories as exhausted moves by desperate studios. Granted, both Spider-Man and Hellboy are characters well-known enough to make multiple interpretations unnecessary, but such isn't the case with characters like Doctor Strange or even Black Panther. They need some kind of introduction, but that doesn't need to include a two-hour film; just look at last year's Captain America: Civil War. Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther, a character we'd never seen in the MCU until then, shows up and is given enough context to make his character a much needed, much loved addition to an already stacked cast. His inclusion in that film proves that an origin story doesn't need to be a full-length movie, and that his upcoming film should not backtrack to explain his beginnings for two hours. Why, then, does Wonder Woman require an origin story? She shows up in Batman V Superman. Shouldn't DC just move forward and not throw its resources into a property we've already seen on the big screen? In short: No. Wonder Woman doesn't just need to fit within the context of the DCEU; she needs to fit within the context of our unchecked, unmitigated, and unsafe sociopolitical climate. Women aren't just carriers of children. They're carriers of courage and resolve. Vessels of strength, love and resilience. Paragons of compassion and understanding. The current President of the United Sates has created a situation where women are pitted against a government that disregards and disrespects them with blatant intent. Given society's startling lack of accountability and representation, Wonder Woman is more important and relevant now than it ever has been. Hopefully, the rest of the world sees that, too. 3) The Action Is Incredible Wonder Woman delivers so much pulse-pumping action, so many heart-stopping thrills, and such impressive choreography that it's difficult to imagine DC topping it anytime soon. The final battle against German general Erich Ludendorff and, subsequently, Ares is intimate and spectacular, but it's not those scenes that steal the show. The brief but brutal battle between the Amazons and the Germans on the sands of Themyscira stands out because it showcases the power and prowess of Diana's aunt Antiope, the greatest warrior on the island. However, it's the No Man's Land battle that launches Wonder Woman from mere goodness to undeniable greatness. As she follows Steve Trevor and his comrades through the trenches, she realizes that the Germans need to be driven back to break the stand-off and secure a victory. She tosses her cloak aside and charges the enemy, deflecting bullets and slicing through foes with an ease that's as impressive as it is frightening. It's the first time in the film that we see her unleash upon her adversaries, and it's all at once exciting, stunning, and awe-inspiring. 2) The Relationship Between Gal Gadot And Chris Pine Is Poignant And Powerful Few could have expected the chemistry between Gal Gadot and Chris Pine to be as convincing as it was. Every scene featuring the two feels intimate and interesting, and it's incredible to see the couple navigate the budding romance and what it may mean for the two of them. They dance in the snow, share a kiss and spend the night together, but the real emotional resonance comes from what they learn from and teach each other. Steve teaches Diana that the world of men is cruel and beautiful at the same time, while Diana inspires in him new courage and new resolve that lead to his heroic sacrifice during the final confrontation between Wonder Woman and Ares. There's humor to be had as well. The banter between the two consists mainly of friendly bickering and playfully-thrown jabs, and it's sweet to watch. Not having Pine around for a sequel will absolutely detract from its overall quality, but only because he's so damn charming and relatable here. 1) Patty Jenkins A visionary in every sense of the word, Jenkins took the film's potential and made it real. Her commitment to tell a story that resonates, entertains and inspires pays off in every way it can, proving that she was and is the perfect person for the job. Following her exit from 2013's Thor: The Dark World, many wondered if she'd direct a superhero film at all, but it turns out that she was just waiting for the right one to come across her desk. Now that Jenkins has all but agreed to helm a sequel, we can rest easy knowing more quality stories featuring the Amazonian princess are on the way. With Wonder Woman 2 rumored to be set in the present day, it'll also be fascinating to see how she manages life in the modern world without Justice League-level threats weighing heavily on her mind and heart. Jenkins is a treasure, that's for sure, and we need her to keep telling stories of a similar caliber. Here's to hoping she takes on the sequel with as much passion and inspiration as she did with this film.