Popcorn flick is a term that I'm not fond of. It's supposed to denote a film that has only one good thing about it, often only special effects, and is thus considered mindless entertainment.The odd critic has suggested that Wonder Woman is a popcorn flick.
Let's break this down while attempting to be spoiler free:
The lead character is a female from a foreign land. It wasn't that long ago that women and supporters were marching for human rights including reproductive choices, freedom from objectification, pay equity, and more. There's also banter in the film about women working toward the ability to vote.
The actress is Israeli. In a time where there is so much pain happening in the Middle East, when there are terror bombings happening in London, an actress from a marginalized community is leading a franchise about a badass goddess warrior who tries to help humans be their best selves.
The story features a goddess helping several humans who are struggling between the choice to be good men or to make a quick buck. Many people are currently fighting for a living wage. CEOs stuff their pockets while their employees barely make enough to cover their basic necessities and some have to work 3 jobs just to get by. People live in squalor without access to clean water, while companies like Nestle siphon groundwater and sell it to them in bottles.
Diana grew up reading stories of what a beautiful creation humans were. Meeting them was far from how she pictured them. We all believed things as children like that grown ups were mature and had it together. Ever been in a meeting and realized you were surrounded by adult-sized children? Ever gone back and watched a cartoon you adored as a child to realize the animation was horrendous? Almost like reading a story you wrote at the beginning of your career or coming across your early drawings.
Euan Bremner's role clearly highlights Simple PTSD. His is from war, which is why it's called Simple PTSD not that there's anything simple about PTSD. Many people get Complex PTSD from suffering years of emotional and/or physical abuse having never been a participant or victim of war. This type of PTSD is far less known.
There is an indigenous actor playing a role that is integral to the success of the mission. If you want to know more about how this character has been received in that community, check this well written review by Vincent Schilling at Indian Country Today.
If you really can't find deeper meaning or can't see how important this film is in the world we are living in today, you aren't open to seeing it. I'm sure I haven't even caught all of the depth in one viewing.
Wonder Woman is a fantastic film that is rated PG-13. There is violence, like all superhero films, but any sexual situations happen off camera and they tie into the plot. Many of the deaths are free from gore. Explosions are plot and character driven and not simply there to look cool.
You should see this movie if any of these things apply to you:
- You are female or identify as such
- You like women
- You like superheros
- You like diversity
- You like action and adventure
- You like explosions
- You like stories
- You're a Wonder Woman fan
- You like to laugh
- You like emotional journeys
When I first learned that there was to be a Wonder Woman movie, my excitement was dampened by DC's track record of late. I also didn't want to get my hopes up as I'm a huge Wonder Woman fan. In my opinion, with this film DC has rebooted their studios, and they are ready to compete with Marvel.
As I can't wait until the Blu-Ray comes out, I expect I'll be back for more viewings.
Salut,
R~
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