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 2016 Thoughts #2

My second round of thoughts on the exciting news coming from San Diego Comic Con!

Lets start with that new The Walking Dead trailer for season 7 which you can see below:

Well considering it's three minutes long, it certainly didn't give anything away about last seasons frustrating cliffhanger. They are really going to milk the cow with this one aren't they. Not that they should give anything away now, but I am definitely in the camp who thinks the show should have revealed the death in the episode rather than making us wait 6 months when we will be less emotionally invested. Apart from that this trailer just featured a lot of zombie killings and some cool new characters. Now I have read the comic books and I can tell you now that I am surprised they are going forward with Ezekial's pet tiger, it kind of works in the comics but in terms of realism it's pushing the boat out a bit. Hopefully it will be great but I find the show to be a bit hit and miss nowadays so who knows how it could turn out. However the last season excelled when it followed the source material more closely so here's hoping that next season is great!

Now onto my favourite trailer of the day American Gods. This show is coming in early 2017 and will adapt Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name. For what many thought was an un-adaptable book, the trailer below looks very faithful!



Well that looks great! And if you're a fan of the books then you have to admit that the cast is pretty damn perfect. I can't wait to see how they pull of some of the weird and wonderful content from the books and I also can't wait to see the general public's reaction to it. If they pull it off then this could be a massive hit.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D also unveiled that Ghost Rider will be appearing in their season 4 with this teaser.


Now this Ghost Rider isn't going to be the Johnny Blaze that most know from the comics but lesser known character Robbie Reyes who has a car instead of a motorcycle.

And this is the car!

It will be interesting to see how the show incorporates the character into the story and just how much we see of him as we have to imagine that there will be a lot of CGI. Now the people who make the show have pulled of some very impressive shots before so I have faith in that department. Story wise though this latest season went from amazing to mediocre so hopefully they can pull something out of the bag.

Now for Comic Con tonight is the big night, this is when the big Studios like Marvel and Warner Brothers showcase their upcoming films so expect trailer and surprises galore. I personally want some Spider-Man: Homecoming casting news (i.e who the massive cast are playing!) and trailers for both Wonder Woman and Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2.

Not sure when the next post will be on as it's going to be a busy weekend for myself but be sure to check back at some point soon to hear my latest thoughts on the SDCC news! Until then here are some cool posters that have been released at the con.

Thanks for reading!