Wonder Woman

          Since she was the best thing about "Superman V Batman: Dawn of Justice", I was looking forward to this origin story. And I'm happy to say, I was not disappointed. In the hands of another actress, the role may have been too comic bookish or just not the right fit but Gal Godot perfectly embodies the Amazonian princess and it's because of her the film works so well.

           The film starts in the present ( with a quick nod to another DC hero) but quickly goes back in time to tell the origin of Princess Diana. Connie Nielsen plays her mother, Hippolyta and Robin Wright, her Amazon Aunt and mentor, Antiope. When pilot Steve Trevor (ruggedly played by Chris Pine) crashes on their island home, Diana is exposed to men for the first time and becomes involved in fighting the evils of World War I, convinced the war is the result of Ares, the god of war's interference.

            David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Lucy Davis, Ewan Bremner, Said Taghmaoui and Elana Anaya all have supporting roles, either heroic or villainous and everyone is well cast.

            Ms. Gadot is so attractive and engaging that she makes every scene believable, exciting and fun to watch, overcoming clunky dialog and silly secondary characters. It a fresh take on the origin story and there is much humor in the beginning as Diana tries to adjust to life in the "real" world. The climatic fight with Ares is superhero cliche but the earlier battle sequences are thrilling and very well done.  

              Wonder Woman fills the definition of summer "popcorn" movie very well.  No need to think too hard, just sit back, munch and enjoy.