Movie Review - Wonder Woman (2009)

Wonder Woman

2009

Production Companies:  DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation, & Warner Premiere.

Though Wonder Woman has seen a tried and failed TV Series and a popular three season TV Series in the '70's the character never had the recognition she deserved after that.  So we saw her in the Justice League animation, though not until 2009 did she get a feature length animation to herself.  While both Batman and Superman had series and movies to their credit.  Not such a good thing for one of DC's Trinity.

This film goes to show that both DC and Warner were wrong to shelf the Amazon Wonder for so long.  I still cannot believe that there wasn't a series on the back of this movie.  The story which the writers give the audience is one based on the current mythos.  After the Amazons help Zeus to defeat Ares - the God of War, Zeus and Hera entrusts them to hold him prisoner on an Island created for that sole purpose - Themyscira.  Mystical bracelets shackle him against using his powers.  After years of guarding Ares, Diana is born out of her mother's love and Zeus' will, after Queen Hippolyte forges her from clay.  More years go by and Diana grows into a young woman learning the ways of the Amazons. until their peace is shattered by a jet fighter crashing on their Island.  Under the lasso of truth it's deemed that the pilot, Steve Trevor is no threat and should be returned to his world. During the Games to find an emissary to accompany Trevor, Ares is set free by his guard, his secret lover, Persephone.  Now Diana has two missions to accomplish.

The director does a wonderful job of keeping the action sequences coming thick and fast while interweaving some very good drama sequences (of which I particularly like the Steve Trevor lasso interrogation scene and Diana's introduction to Ares).  The great thing about animation is that you have a broader scope of what you can bring to life.  In this case it's the monster, demons, and ghosts.  If this had been made in live action it would have required a much bigger budget.

The story, on the whole, is strong and both the writers do a great job with the Amazons and their time period.  The many references and quotes go along way to set an atmosphere and a believability for the audience.  The only thing I found wrong with the film was Steve Trevor's character who comes of week and unassured at times.  Even Fillion helps to give the character a "Wimpy" feel.  Steve Trevor should be the complete opposite of these, with more than a smattering of cocky to boot.  I think a rewrite of the character and a voice change would have worked better - David Boreanaz'ish or Ryan Reynold'ish.

I also don't believe that Molina had the strength to voice Ares, who actually comes off kinda Meh!  It needed a darker and richer voice, somewhere between Brian Blessed and Tim Curry (circa Legend) to give the God the power he deserves.  Russell does a great job as Wonder Woman and in the scene with the ice cream brings out the child in Diana superbly - a very nice scene.  Though the stars for me were Virginia Madsen, who was surprisingly brilliant as Hippolyte, and Oliver Platt for his magnificent take on Hades.

I would recommend this for all as it has something for everybody.  A strong story, good animation and direction, good acting, fast paced and action packed.  This is one film I would be happy to watch again.  All DC and Wonder Woman fans shouldn't miss this film.