Archetypal heroine dazzles in majestic ‘Wonder Woman’

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman

Remember how skeptical some netizens were when Gal Gadot was cast as DC Comics’ premier superheroine, Wonder Woman? Not only did the actress prove naysayers wrong with her scene-stealing debut as the Amazon warrior princess in last year’s dour “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” her solo starrer “Wonder Woman” further proves that she is the unmistakable choice, all along.

She owns the role—much like Lynda Carter did during her time as the beloved ’70s TV version—her character embodying the clear-cut heroism that has been sorely lacking in other live-action superhero films.

The energetic “Wonder Woman” reveals the story behind the protagonist’s intriguing photo in “Batman v Superman,” aside from bringing to cinematic life a female icon from the comic books.

And, while she isn’t the first warrior-woman to have a solo film—Marvel’s mostly inconsequential “Elektra” comes to mind—its timing is significant, her hovering presence especially reassuring in a time of rampant misogyny and sexism. So it helps that this adventure is a mesmerizing one, highlighting the things that made the innately feminist character great.

Diana, told that she was a clay sculpture miraculously made flesh, is the last hope for mankind to survive—a peacemaker who is well-versed in the language of combat, and a woman who stands for equality in an increasingly worrying world.

Diana’s essence and look—Gadot is gorgeous and graceful—form a working combination that has been wielded rather impressively since her screen introduction. And to see her with a pleasant and proactive personality, that much-needed humanity that we didn’t get to see previously, is wonderful.

Chris Pine (left) and Gal Gadot

The film by Patty Jenkins (“Monster”) also stars Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright, playing Diana’s mother Hippolyta and mentor Antiope, respectively.

As with previous lore, a man, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), discovers their hidden island home, which is exclusively inhabited by women. Educated but naive, Diana joins Steve in an ongoing war, believing herself instrumental in helping “man’s world” find the peace that has long eluded it. The wartime backdrop gives the film the savage conflict it needs, though viewers may be reminded of Marvel’s first “Captain America” film.

As for villains, the film has its share of differently motivated and enigmatic psychopaths, some able to go toe-to-toe with the super-strong Diana.

Amid the lush imagery and nimble stunt choreography are meme-worthy interactions—the sparky Gadot-Pine chemistry; Wright as a badass Amazon leading other ferocious females; and the feistiness of secretary Etta Candy (Lucy Davis)—each providing necessary components to a worthwhile undertaking.

“Wonder Woman” doesn’t squander the opportunity it’s given. It shows that superhero comics aren’t devoid of strong female role models.

Yes, after a few missteps, DC’s film universe is beginning to look promising. The archetypal superheroine is back, easily the most fascinating character in this cinematic realm to date.