Wonder Woman

It’s here, it’s finally here, Wonder Woman’s first live action feature debut. You may be worried that the latest entry into the DC Extended Universe would follow the trend of their less than great previous films, but worry no more, Wonder Woman is the superhero film the studio needs right now, but more importantly it’s film the world needs right now! Read on and find out why.

This film tells us the origins of Wonder Woman, a long time before the events of Batman V Superman, during WW1, when a pilot crashes on the mysterious island, Themiscyra, he tells the young warrior who saves him, Diana, of the war to end all wars and without hesitating she joins him to help bring an end to the fighting.

In the wide range of superhero films on offer today, Wonder Woman is kind of generic, it’s a good mix of Thor and Captain America but is able to stand on its own two feet. Its main strength lies in the films message, this is what makes it stand above the rest, delivering a solid superhero origin story that commentates and criticises our world, views and values. When Diana first ventures from her island, it’s her first interaction with ‘man’s’ world. She’s naïve and obviously there is comedy to go with that but there is also a fresh look on the way we do things, which in her eyes isn’t all that good and throughout the film she begins to learn that men aren’t all bad but they’re also not all good. Diana’s arc throughout this period of realisation is one that insights hope and joy within the viewer and that’s what brings this film home, elevating the formulaic superhero film into something more special.  

Playing the icon is Gal Gadot and boy does she bring her A game. She truly carries this film and breathes life into Diana, making the character her own and diminishing any doubts audiences may have had about her taking on the role. She owns Wonder Woman. Everybody in this film does a great job, even with the little amount that some characters get. Up there with Gadot though is Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, the two have amazing chemistry and together they steal the film, creating real emotional connections between the two characters in the space of a couple of hours, you care about these characters and what happens to them.

My favourite element of this film is the action. The action is so badass, it’s so cool, it looks beautiful with great cinematography and sounds awesome with an excellent score. The theme we heard first in BvS is truly earned in this film and when it arrives, it really does deliver. Wonder Woman in full costume, in all her glory, taking out bad guys is a moment to be experienced on the big screen, it gave me goosebumps and I have read barely any Wonder Woman comics.

No matter how much I’ve raved about this film, it’s not perfect. It’s a tad too long for a start and the CGI does not always hold up, which is shame considering previous DC films have been pretty good with this element to date. And as I’ve stated before, it’s a bit generic, it doesn’t take many risks or feel much different from previous superhero films, but also as I’ve mentioned, because it works the tropes so well and has a message worth spreading, it is still able to stand above many that have come before it. Talking of other DC films, if you liked the grim tone and serious nature of this films predecessors then you may not like where they take this one, this one has jokes, is uplifting and is a film where the hero is heroic.  

Patty Jenkins, the director, should be applauded for bringing Wonder Woman to the big screen in such glorious fashion, a job I’m sure brought a lot of pressure on getting it right. Finally, we have a female led superhero film that is great and will hopefully usher in a new era of equality within the genre. This truly is a film and a hero the world needs right now, not flawless but still great, a solid 4/5. Go see Wonder Woman now!

I'm actually a little excited for Justice League now, even if it is just to see Wonder Woman again!

What did you think of Wonder Woman? Have the DCEU taken a step forward or backwards, let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

SDCC 2016 Thoughts #3

Bare with me now, this is a big one. Loads of great stuff came out of Comic Con last night and I am going to try give you my thoughts on the biggest reveals.

So lets start with the most surprising trailer of the night, Justice League.



Well I wasn't expecting that and even more so, I wasn't expecting to like it so much. That trailer is a great little glimpse at the film and contains more jokes than the whole of Batman V Superman combined. Not that jokes make a good film but it just lightens the tone and allows the audience to enjoy themselves a bit more. I'm sure DC haven't Marvel-ed their film and they don't need to either, as long as the story is good and the audience enjoy themselves then you'll have a hit on your hands. I'm not saying I'd rush out to see this film with Snyder at the helm but I'll at least wait and see what audiences think before deciding to go see it myself. That Aquaman imagery looks sweeeeet!

Next lets look at the second trailer for Doctor Strange.



Without giving too much away, Doctor Strange is showing that it's going to be an absolutely visual delight to watch at the cinema. I'm hoping that it will have the same effect that Guardians of the Galaxy had on audiences who went in with little knowledge of the characters and came out just enjoying the heck out of a different and fun superhero film. I really hope this film is as good as it looks.

Alright, time for the Wonder Woman trailer.


I love the concept for this Wonder Woman film, I think it's going to be a great origin story for her character and looks to boast some very cool looking action. The superhero film genre has really been lacking in female characters and I can't wait to see that change in the form of Wonder Woman which really looks set to kick some ass in 2017.

Now back to the wizarding world with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

In the crowded world of superhero films, there is something very refreshing about this film. With J.K Rowling on writing duties then surely this film can't be bad, can it? It look cool and when that music kicks in I got some serious chills. I really hope this is good and not just cash in on the Harry Potter franchise.

Another fantastic beast is glimpsed in the Kong: Skull Island trailer!

Wow are we really going to be getting some beautiful looking films next year. The film also boasts a very impressive cast, so surely this is a easy win for the studio? I hope so, I love a big monster movie and I can't wait to see a giant King Kong on the big screen again just before he goes up against the one true king of monsters, Godzilla.

Back to superheroes but something a little more light hearted with The Lego Batman Movie.


I absolutely loved The Lego Movie and this definitely feels like it's going to follow in the same vein. It's going to be a lot of stupid fun and I cannot wait to see what silly laughs it will bring.

Now away from trailers and onto some casting news, Brie Larson has been officially cast as Captain Marvel in the MCU. She is an amazing talent and a perfect choice for Carol Danvers. Marvel have done it again.

Now there is a lot more news to go over but I think you have enough here to chew on, I will try get some of my final thoughts on the other big stuff out of SDCC online in the next couple days! So keep checking back.

Thanks for reading!

SDCC 2013 Thoughts #4

Amazing new from Comic Con including a Batman & Superman movie (YEAH!), and a  Catching Fire and Arrow season 2 trailer!

Best news first! Warner Brothers announced today that a Superman and Batman team up film is in production awaiting a release for 2015! This is amazing news and could be what heads up a Justice League film reported for a 2017 release just after a film for The Flash in 2016. Kind of nerding out right now! Man of Steel cast members are set to return with a new adaptation of Batman. In a year full of Star Wars and Avengers sequels could 2015 be the best year for us nerds ever? Here's a look at the logo for the newly announced film.

Here's the new trailer for The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire.


Looks promising but knowing that the second book is the weaker of three I am still sceptical about the sequel. As much as some of this looks great it still loos very CGI heavy compared to the first film. We will have to see with this one, I just hope that I am proven wrong.

Here's the trailer for Arrow season 2.

Although  a lot of the footage is from the first season, this trailer still looks pretty good. Arrow had it's ups and downs but its final episode really embraced the superhero genre and made for some incredible TV. I hope the second season follows on from this as the show is a lot of fun.

Some great news for DC fans right now, check back later for more SDCC news!