Wonder Woman Review

Wonder Woman

Based on the DC comics character, Wonder Woman is pure gold. It has action, some comedy and a whole lot of heart. Be prepared, because this isn’t your typical superhero story.

Positive Elements: Several movies have turned to the darker side of superheroes over the years. Besides Captain America (in the MCU), some heroes have lost hope. But here’s the exception: Diana is not only a kicking butt machine, she has a sensitive side too. In a few scenes, she weeps when innocent lives are lost, cares for people and is aghast when soldiers do “nothing.” Indeed, though Diana/Wonder Woman is somewhat naive, her caring and compassionate heart are still present throughout the film.

Diana’s mother loves and desires to protect her from the world. Eventually though, she lets Diana go. It’s a symbolic coming of age story: parents realize they must let kids make their own decisions. The same is true between Diana and her mother. It reveals a strong yet understandable desire to protect those we love.

Steve Trevor (Diana’s love interest) speaks of his desire to do “something” about the war. “I’ve already tried nothing,” he states. He, Diana and other characters continually sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Steve is consistent in his love for Diana, refusing to cast her off when she is stubborn.

(Spoiler Warning): The film’s greatest message arrives near the end. When Diana/Wonder Woman realizes who Ares is, she initially wants to kill mankind for all their evil deeds. However, in a conversation with Steve, she hears him say “I love you.” This causes Diana to change her perspective and have mercy on mankind. It’s a powerful message for us as believers of Christ: we tend to focus on the negative in the world and look at it through our eyes. But when we look at the world through God’s eyes, our perspective changes.

Spiritual Content: Greek mythology runs abound in this story. We learn that Diana was brought to life by Zeus and had no father. Her mother says “The gods have given us many gifts.” The sword Diana wields possesses their powers as does the Lasso of Truth. A few characters are held bound by it. When Wonder Woman stabs a character, it briefly knocks out the power of the entire planet. She is immortal; her body suffers no wounds and is bulletproof.

Sensual Content: After Diana rescues Steve, she’s shocked. “You’re a man,” she states. “Yeah, do I not look like one?” Steve retorts. Diana is shocked because she lives on an island with women and has never seen a man before. As mentioned, she had no father.

Diana walks in on Steve getting out of the bathtub and we see everything except his privates (which are covered by his hands). They exchange some suggestive banter in a few scenes. For instance, when Diana asks Steve how average males are, he responds with “Above average.” Another scene finds them talking about marriage and Diana doesn’t understand it at first. Also, Diana asks about his watch, leading Steve initially to believe she’s asking him about his privates.

Later in the film though, they slow dance in the snow. Steve and Diana begin a passionate kiss before the camera cuts away, insinuating they sleep together. When Diana handles a rude man, one of the soldiers comments “I’m both frightened and aroused.”

Violence: While nothing is overly bloody or gross, there are several scenes that include grimacing images. For instance, Diana dodges several bullets while running through No Man’s Land, using her shield to defend herself. She kills someone too, stabbing the sword through his midsection. Several soldiers shoot bullets at people. Diana protects Steve from a bullet during one confrontation scene.

Diana deals with a few rude men at the bar: she shoves them backward and they land into the tables. When Steve first arrives on Diana’s island, he inadvertently brings enemy soldiers into their territory. The result end ups being an arrow versus bullet shootout and one character dies.

The final showdown between Wonder Woman and Ares is a bit intense too. Diana destroys several tanks and planes and almost kills Dr. Poison (a female scientist). To finish Ares off, she flies into the sky and uses lightning to kill him off. Dr. Poison kills a group of men by throwing poisonous gas into the meeting room. She also tests the gas on a subject, causing the mask to break.

Language: About five uses of “h---” and some misuses of God’s name.

Drugs/Alcohol: Some scenes take place in bars where various characters drink alcoholic beverages.

Other Negative Elements: Some lies go unchecked.

Conclusion: Wonder Woman is a phenomenal movie. DC Comic movies such as Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice didn’t fare so well with critics. But the critics loved this one. I did too. This film is amazing with likable characters, action packed sequences and period accurate costumes.

However, there is problematic content present. Diana and Steve’s sexual banter isn’t too over the top, but still there. The violence can be a bit too intense for younger viewers. The language isn’t much, but it’s hard hearing heroes spew profanity. Also, the Greek mythology aspect needs to be discussed as well.

That said, Wonder Woman is a true hidden gem. Gal Gadot plays Diana/Wonder Woman with such poise and sympathy, you can’t help but sympathize with her. There is one scene worth noting: in the No Man’s Land sequence, Diana is told to stay down. But she bravely refuses to do so, saying “No, but it’s what I’m going to do.”

I must admit, this scene made my jaw drop. It reminds me of Joshua 1:9, where God is telling Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” In a similar way, Diana/Wonder Woman leads the soldiers into battle, risking her own life. She is a compassionate soul and desires to help those who can’t help themselves.

Wonder Woman is a movie that bears more than just a female superhero. The action sequences are beautifully choreographed from start to finish. My jaw dropped when Wonder Woman jumped off a car door straight into the tower. It’s one of the many examples that made me enjoy the action.

The movie is well acted too. As mentioned, Gal Gadot is pure perfection as Diana/Wonder Woman. She draws the audience in with her compassionate look on life and gasps when people do “nothing.” Chris Pine plays Steve Trevor with such conviction and strength as he fights to stop a war. Indeed, though Wonder Woman has a few content problems, it deeply connects with you. That is something you don’t see in many movies these days.