“Wonder Woman” is stunning critics, who are calling the film “electrifying” and a “breathtaking cinematic achievement” that makes it “one of the best superhero movies of all time.”
The film starring Gal Gadot as Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96 percent — that’s 52 “fresh” reviews, with only 2 “rotten.”
“Amazing performances, pulse-pounding action, and outstanding visuals make it one of the best superhero movies of all time,” Forbes’ Mark Hughes wrote, while The Associated Press’ Lindsey Bahr added “it’s enough to give you goosebumps.”
“‘Wonder Woman’ is smart, slick, and satisfying in all of the ways superhero films ought to be,” Entertainment Weekly’s Chris Nashawaty wrote. “How deliciously ironic that in a genre where the boys seem to have all the fun, a female hero and a female director are the ones to show the fellas how it’s done.”
TheWrap’s film critic Alonso Duralde added that “Wonder Woman” ranks as one of the “few great” superhero movies among a recent flood of them.
“Gal Gadot’s turn as Princess Diana of Themyscira was a refreshing standout amidst the sludge of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,’ and she’s as good if not better headlining her own solo adventure,” he wrote.
“It’s a film that not only improves upon many of the seemingly built-in shortcomings of superhero movies, but also mixes smarts, sentiment and adrenaline in the best Hollywood style. This is a superior popcorn movie, no matter what the genre.”
Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film also stars Chris Pine, Robin Wright, David Thewlis and Connie Nielsen. It hits theaters on Friday.
Overall, critics seems to agree: it’s the best DC Comics movie to date.
See 9 of the best reviews below.
Cath Clarke, Time Out:
“‘Wonder Woman’ feels like the real deal, a rollicking action adventure in the tradition of ‘Indiana Jones’, with a fully functioning sense of humour and the year’s most lip-smackingly evil baddie.”
Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press:
“Like the heroine at its center, ‘Wonder Woman’ the movie rises with powerful grace above the noise. It’s not perfect, but it’s often good, sometimes great and exceptionally re-watchable. Director Patty Jenkins’ film is so threaded with sincerity and goodness it’s a wonder how it got past the pugnacious minds responsible for what’s come before. ‘Wonder Woman’ evokes not only the spirit of Richard Donner’s ‘Superman,’ but also Joe Johnston’s ‘Captain America: The First Avenger,’ while still being its own thing. Just look to the image of Gal Gadot confidently striding out alone onto an unwinnable battlefield with only a shield, a sword and a mission — and prevailing. It’s enough to give you goosebumps.”
Kelly Lawler, USA Today:
“‘Wonder Woman’ is a departure from most superhero films you’ve seen. It’s a female superhero film — which is revolutionary enough by itself — but it’s also a genuinely surprising film that plays with genre and throws out the now very tired superhero movie formula. It’s an action film, a romantic comedy and a coming-of-age story and a period piece and a war movie all in one. Above all, it’s a hopeful story about humanity. ‘Wonder Woman’ is the best movie Marvel rival DC Comics has put out in its own cinematic universe, and unlike the recent parade of bleak superhero tales from both studios, it makes you feel good while you watch it.”
Julian Roman, Movie Web:
“From DC Films and Warner Bros., ‘Wonder Woman’ renews hope that the DC Universe can match the quality of Marvel. Gal Gadot proves she has the right stuff. Her ‘Wonder Woman’ is every bit the hero and feminist icon fans deserve. The film is by no means perfect, but a needed step in the right direction. The Justice League has a solid foundation to build on. The producers just have to remember that respect for the character’s history, sophistication, and moments of levity are key to the success of comic adaptations. Make a run when the credits roll, there aren’t any additional scenes.”
Mark Hughes, Forbes:
“‘Wonder Woman’ is an electrifying, breathtaking cinematic achievement sure to win the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Amazing performances, pulse-pounding action, and outstanding visuals make it one of the best superhero movies of all time. You’ll love it, and you’ll walk out wondering how soon you can go back to watch it again.”
John Hazelton, Screen International:
“Almost as much an anti-war drama as a summer popcorn romp,’ Wonder Woman’ takes its time putting its title character centre stage in all her Amazonian splendour. But when it does get down to superheroine business, this latest DC Comics ‘extended universe’ outing packs a decent punch and, in Israeli model Gal Gadot, introduces a star with real franchise potential.”
Molly Freeman, Screen Rant:
“All in all, ‘Wonder Woman’ is a cohesive and gripping comic book-adapted origin story that gives the most famous female superhero a live-action entry worthy of the character’s legacy. There weak spots in those brief moments of impossible-to-miss CG and Ares’ character development, but even with those flaws, ‘Wonder Woman’ is exceptionally strong. Arriving at the time it does, ‘Wonder Woman’ faces immense pressure both within the context of the DCEU and, to a larger extent, Hollywood as a whole – but Gadot and Jenkins rise above expectations to deliver an incredibly exciting and inspiring movie.”
Chris Hewitt, Empire:
“As Diana, Gadot is excellent, a rocking electric cello riff in human form. ‘Dawn Of Justice’ proved she could handle the kicking and the punching. Here, she gets actual honest-to-goodness dialogue, and invests Diana with excitable exuberance, bristling defiance and a disarming belief in doing the right thing. She’s also funny, particularly when she goes full bumbling Clark Kent.”
Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly:
“‘Wonder Woman’ is smart, slick, and satisfying in all of the ways superhero films ought to be. How deliciously ironic that in a genre where the boys seem to have all the fun, a female hero and a female director are the ones to show the fellas how it’s done.”