Review of Wonder Woman (2009) by Thomas D — 30 May 2017

Albeit not the best of the DC original animated movies, Wonder Woman boasts a bold direction, thrilling plot, and loads of mythology. It's no shock that this is one of the most critically acclaimed of the bunch.

If you're going to make a Wonder Woman adaptation, this film just about checks every box you'd expect. A uniquely styled story, brutal but exciting action, and the most mythological story DC can get. Upon re-watch, this story holds up incredibly well. Not only is it a ripe message about willing to accept others for who they are, but it bolsters an even more powerful message of accepting who your true self is.

The story is fascinating because of the immense mythology, but nowhere does it go to levels of The Dark Knight Returns or Batman: Under the Red Hood, where it transcends the animated genre. The film plays out as you'd expect an origin story would, but that doesn't eliminate the good writing and direction. It also doesn't hurt to have Nathan Fillion voice comedic relief and Diana Prince's love interest, Steve Trevor.

Compared to other DCOAM's, Wonder Woman is brutally graphic for an animated film. Plenty of beheadings and sword battles could have easily pushed this to be rated R, which I understand was the original cut. As light as the film's ultimate message is, the violence feels earned and deserved, and never takes it to an over-the-top area.

The one thing I had a small issue with was the casting of Keri Russell as Diana/Wonder Woman. Not that I don't really like Russell, I do, but I grew to love Susan Eisenberg's voice as the famed heroine, so it was a little jarring to hear someone different. Actually, none of the voiceover work felt particularly inspired here, which is surprising. However, overall, Wonder Woman is a special kind of DC adaptation. It doesn't hold back with its direction and certainly lassos in an important message to everyone. This is one of the best.

8.8/10.