Summer Review #1 -- Wonder Woman

I am not sure why, in 2017, there is a disparity between male and female Hollywood players. I am not sure why there are any differences in terms of a job well done or in terms of job allotment. What I do know is that a first female-led superhero film, one that does not relay on action as a plot device and that shows more women in starring roles than men, happens to keep breaking box office records. What I know is that it happened to be directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins, the director that showed us the complexity of humanity's dark side in 2003's Monster. What I know is that, with its universal themes of empathy and peace, it speaks to all people. Somehow I am quite certain that this film's success is a good incentive for Hollywood to continue turning itself and its criteria around.

The Wonder Woman film idea has been considered since the late nineties. At one point, Sandra Bullock was attached to star, with other big names being mentioned as well. I do believe, though, that the film should have been made exactly when it was. In our era of terrorism horrors, increasingly bigoted U.S. policies and social media isolation, there is a dire need for a heroine who does not simply fight for the hell of it, but attempts to understand the context and the people around her first. This is someone who knows her strengths and learns from her weaknesses, someone whose primary objective is harmony, someone whose upbringing has taught her to respect rather than attack. In other words, it is the right kind of leader required at the moment -- an actual leader.

On the remote island paradise of Themiscyra, Amazon warrior women have been living and training for centuries. Diana (Gal Gadot) has been training with her aunt Antiope (Robin Wright) since childhood, always under the disapproving eye of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen). When pilot and spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes on Themiscyra, Diana learns about World War I and soon leaves to fulfill her destiny and save the world...

It is not difficult to figure out why Wonder Woman is so triumphant. It has everything: strong characters, charm, humor, action... the list goes on. In every action and superhero film, there has to be more going on behind every statement, situation and conflict -- nuances behind the first impression -- and this film has it in spades. Diana is a character that is both enamored with and confused by our world. Yes, she is a supernatural being, but she is also everyone that is trying to live a good life and leave this planet at least a little bit better. The same goes for the significance of the story's feminism. Jenkins does not emphasize women above everyone else, since that is not what feminism is about. It is about equal rights, it is about equality for all, it is about everyone working together toward a better society. When Diana is unable to attend a meeting because of her gender, we all rightfully gasp. When she expresses consternation at dresses that seem like torture contraptions, we smile and nod. Hell, one just cannot wear a dress unless their sword can be well hidden in it! We have work to do! The timely nature of these moments does not pass us by and the perfect blend of wit and history is a true original.   

The casting is perfection. Gadot is charming and sensual, yet fierce and fearless. Rare are actors with that kind of charisma, those that can pull off both humor and tenacity. Her Diana is playful and smart, enchanted by Earth's wonders -- the snow sequence! -- and torn between two worlds, but aware of the need to nurture her curiosity. Pine is perfect as the rogue spy, whose sole purpose in life is to end the war, but who also recognizes his own limitations in doing so. Impressive is an inadequate term to describe the Amazons, particularly knowing that they mostly consist of real life athletes and professionals. Wright and Nielsen each have a special sort of strength as actors, bringing power to the roles of hardened soldier Antiope and the more cautious Hippolyta. As far as the bad guys go, Danny Huston brings his brand of glowering wickedness to the role of General Ludendorff, while Elena Anaya is all cackling, scheming malevolence as Dr. Maru, otherwise affectionately known as Dr. Poison.    

Wonder Woman hopefully heralds more films with strong, fully realized female characters and leads. It shows that violence is not the way forward, especially not in these troubling times, and that a united and understanding world is a better one. It is a wonderful, empowering and entertaining tale that everyone will appreciate and that everyone obviously does.

10/10

Trailerblazing -- American Assassin

American Assassin -- September 15, 2017 -- directed by Michael Cuesta -- starring Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Taylor Kitsch, Sanaa Lathan, David Suchet

Showcasing one of the most intense, action-packed trailers in recent years, this Michael Cuesta film looks like a cross between Patriot Games and the Jason Bourne adventures. Based on the first novel from Vince Flynn's series about counter-terrorism agent Mitch Rapp, American Assassin could be the start of the next great action franchise if the screenplay proves to be rich in characterization and conflict. The one element that it already hits a bullseye with is the casting. Keaton and Lathan are always great in any story, anywhere and anytime, 'nuff said. O'Brien, who was so charismatic in The Maze Runner and Deepwater Horizon, is a great choice for the role of a young government agent with a painful history. I am happy that Kitsch has been getting so many complex roles lately, from The Normal Heart to this film, and to the upcoming "Waco". He is a terrific and multifaceted actor that has yet to find the role of a lifetime, but is well on his way. The characters definitely caught my eye while watching the trailer, as did the stunning combat sequences. I have not read Flynn's novel, but I understand that the series is extremely popular, so I am hoping that the film is equally successful and that it represents a new take on action thrillers.