Wonder Woman – the female hero we’ve been waiting for

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS

I recently went to see the movie critics are giving an F-grade: Superman vs. Batman: Dawn of Justice. Before I continue, let me say that I didn’t think the film was absolutely terrible. In fact, there was a lot I enjoyed.

The acting was quite good overall — I really enjoyed Ben Affleck as Batman and Jesse Eisenberg’s version of villain Lex Luther— but the storyline had some pretty big holes that were hard to ignore. The audience was left wondering how Luther knew the secret identities of both superheroes and why he did what he did. The reasons given for the intergalactic throw-down were a bit weak and vague. I’m guessing both characters had a lot of pent up rage to justify that whole battle. The score was also a bit of a jumble, with some strange, clunky, dark music interrupting some what-could-have-been really suspenseful scenes. Where is this storyline supposed to take place in the Batman series anyway?

I still have so many questions…and not in a can’t-wait-for-the-next-film way.

But, I didn’t go to see the movie to see these superheroes throw down. What I really wanted to see was the infamous Amazon Warrior, Diana Prince, a.k.a. Wonder Woman. It’s the first time in about 70 years that this character has been seen in a feature film, and she didn’t disappoint.

Her role in the film is admittedly small. She meets Bruce Wayne (a.k.a. Batman) at one of Luther’s charity events, dressed in a sexy gold dress with a low back. That’s the last time we see the characters interact until the final battle scene when she appears in her warrior garb, ready to battle an alien monster alongside the clueless Batman and Superman — “Is she with you? I thought she was with you?”

I don’t think anyone could argue that Israeli actress Gal Godot didn’t play a kickass female superhero. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman is exactly what I wanted: she was fearless, strong, and didn’t succumb to Wayne’s playboy charm (Catwoman, anyone?). My favourite moment was during the final fight scene, when Wonder Woman was knocked down and she paused for a moment, tilted her head towards the heavens, smiled, and jumped right back into the battle. That smile said everything.

I know a lot about superheroes, but I hate to admit that Wonder Woman has never really held my interest. I didn’t know much about her backstory going into the movie, except that she would probably be wearing something I wouldn’t approve of. Suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, before feminists cry out about her outfit, which admittedly was a bit on the skimpy side, think about it this way: in comparison to the stars and stripes she could have been sporting, the outfit was a bit badass.  It covered everything that needed to be covered, and it didn’t accentuate her breasts or thighs as much as I expected. It actually looked more like armour than a showy costume. Yes, her legs showed, but who cares? I was focused more on her muscle than her sexuality.

Wonder Woman will be getting her own film in 2017, which is great news because I think her history is full of things feminists (and I) will love. Her origin story is full of themes of female empowerment — she derives from a tribe of Amazon warriors and in some versions of the story, she is quite literally created by a group of goddesses.

Not to mention she has an awesome right hook.

What did you think of Wonder Woman? Let us know in the comments below!