MOVIE: This film is just wonderful

THERE have been some failed attempts recently to turn popular old TV shows into blockbuster movies, most notably ‘CHIPS’ and ‘Baywatch’.

One show from the 1970s that could have gone the same way is ‘Wonder Woman’, but the creative team involved have taken an altogether different direction – and it has paid off.

Wonder Woman is, of course, part of the DC Comics extended universe of films which includes ‘Batman vs Superman’ as well as the upcoming ‘Justice League’.

The original TV show, which starred Lynda Carter in the lead role and ran for three seasons, would hardly hold up to scrutiny today, but was good comic book fun in much the same way as the original Batman series.

The movie version begins on an undiscovered (vaguely Greek) island paradise where only Amazonian women live, including Diana, an inquisitive and feisty young child princess who desires to become a great warrior.

And when her mother tells her how Ares, the God of War, is responsible for all the destruction in the world, Diana takes it upon herself to one day find and kill him.

Years later and the island tranquility is broken when an American pilot (played by Chris Pine) crashes offshore, bringing news of the massive conflict raging outside (World War 2).

The now grown Diana (Gal Gadot) decides she has no other option but to leave home and follow her destiny: to locate and kill Ares.

The film then shifts location to London and this is the first opportunity for fish out of water humour as Diana comes to terms with the modern world. We also meet Trevor’s comical secretary, played by Lucy Davis (Dawn from ‘The Office’) who steals every scene in which she appears.

Gadot is captivating and Pine is a charming support to a relationship that is actually moving in parts (when was the last time you said that about a superhero movie?).

And that’s where this film stands apart from the competition. It has compassion and heart at its core. We rate it a rather wonderful 4 out of 5 stars. 

Paul O’Rourke