Like most Wonder Woman fans, I have been waiting a long, long time for a movie about this iconic superhero. Several years ago, I even gave Joss Whedon suggestions concerning candidates for the role because he was thinking about doing a Wonder Woman film. Joss never got back to me -- and finally dropped his search. Evidently, he didn’t like my list. But you can read all about it by clicking on my Searching for Wonder Woman article right here on ReelTalk Movie Reviews.

Little did I know a perfect candidate would appear much later! It’s Gal Gadot, who stars in this 2017 Wonder Woman movie, which is directed by Patty Jenkins. Although no Wonder Woman motion picture could possibly live up to my high expectations, Gadot manages to imbue her performance with Wonder Woman characteristics I admire, especially strength, courage, and compassion. So, of course, a poem must follow.   

Young Diana decides to go

into a world she does not know

where humans fight and kill and rage

where warfare takes up center stage.

Super heroes we’ve seen enough,

but Wonder Woman sure is tough.

Her armor and her gold lasso

brightly gleam to scare the foe.

It’s fun to see a girl so strong

growing up to fight what is wrong.

Gal Gadot really looks the part --

the epitome of DC art.

Special effects dazzle the eyes

as Wonder Woman jumps through skies.

Though this film lagged for me a bit.

I’m glad it is a great big hit.

For Wonder Woman girls can cheer

without feeling a hint of fear.

And guys can also shout “Hooray”

when Wonder Woman saves the day.

Ably helping Diana in her mission is Steve Trever (the oh-so fine Chris Pine), a brave pilot/spy who wants to stop World War I carnage, at first particularly in No Man’s Land. Steve and Diana work well together despite Diana’s naïve attitude, bold warrior actions and lack of understanding about battlefield etiquette. The more they are together, the more they care about each other. Unfortunately, let’s face the BIG problem: it’s not easy to win a battle with Ares, the God of War.  

And, who is Ares? That’s the mystery here, my friends. Naturally, I can’t reveal the answer, but it won’t hurt to mention that supporting actors Danny Huston as a German officer, David Thewlis as a British VIP, and Elena Anaya as a scientist dabbling with poison gas might be in the running. Plus, need I point out that Ares is NOT any of the amazing Amazons Diana left at her paradise home, including Robin Wright as Antiope and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta?  

I should also let you know that the ending of the movie leads us to believe there will be more Wonder Woman movies. Judging from the film's blockbuster status, there should be quite a few.      

(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)

For more information about Wonder Woman, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes website. 

NOTE: This review is dedicated to my sister Ruella Anderson, a real-life Wonder Woman.