As excited as we may be for Wonder Woman, it’s been a bit tough to be all-out optimistic for the picture. Even those of us who enjoyed the contentiously received Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or Suicide Squad have to recognize Warner Bros’ somewhat shaky hold on its DC Comics universe, evidence of which rears itself behind the scene of almost every picture in the works. For instance, the trapped-in-oblivion The Flash movie, and the giant question mark that is Ben Affleck’s standalone Batman film, and his future in the franchise altogether. And it’s not as though Wonder Woman, which passed hands from director Michelle MacLaren to, eventually, Patty Jenkins, hasn’t had its own share of red flags.
But to all those who’ve held out hope thus far, it seems as though your optimism is being rewarded. While the American public will have to wait until June 2nd to see Wonder Woman hit theaters, the film has screened to its first batch of film critics. And even when wrangled by the Lasso of Truth, they had mostly positive things to say. Take a look at some early viewers’ responses, which hit Twitter in droves just last night:
WONDER WOMAN: Easily my favorite DCEU film. Has the humor and heart the franchise so desperately needs. Gadot and Pine are charming as hell.
— Kate Erbland (@katerbland) May 19, 2017
Wonder Woman is the DC movie I’ve been waiting for. It’s exciting, inspiring, funny, and has some truly awe-inspiring action scenes.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 19, 2017
#WonderWoman is fun, optimistic and inspiring – and, frankly, the fantastic female-led superhero movie I have been waiting AGES for.
— Molly Freeman (@mollyrockit) May 19, 2017
I loved #WonderWoman so much. Easily one of the best superhero origin films I’ve ever seen. Amazing action & Gal Gadot is pure heaven pic.twitter.com/313ATzpC8x
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) May 19, 2017
#WonderWoman is the ray of light the DCEU has been waiting for. Gal Gadot just owns it.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 19, 2017
My reaction to @WonderWomanFilm : exciting, powerful, bold, epic, simply wonderful and – best of all – absolutely empowering.
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 19, 2017
WONDER WOMAN is great. My favorite of the recent DC movies. It’s fierce, funny, well-written and badass. @GalGadot owns it. Her lasso FTW pic.twitter.com/rQ0ufZxWXP
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) May 19, 2017
#WonderWoman is the easily the best DCEU movie so far. It’s got heart and a love of heroes. Pine and Gadot are charming beyond measure.
— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) May 19, 2017
#WonderWoman is hands down the best DCEU Film to date! Film is SO GOOD. I absolutely loved it! Bravo @PattyJenks @GalGadot @GeoffJohns 👏🏽âš”ï¸
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) May 19, 2017
Smart, funny, romantic, genuinely moving. And incredible, all-female fight scenes! The Amazons’ battle made me cry happy tears.
— Rachel Simon (@Rachel_Simon) May 19, 2017
A lot of writers homed in on the starring players when sharing their feelings on the film…
Also @GalGadot is PERFECT as #WonderWoman! I can’t wait for you guys to see this film! #SheIsWonderWoman
— JennaBusch (@JennaBusch) May 19, 2017
Happy to report ‘Wonder Woman’ is a blast and @GalGadot is fantastic. Her chemistry with Chris Pine is magnetic. Absolutely recommended. pic.twitter.com/VPW4QW3IhM
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 19, 2017
Chris Pine as Steve Trevor is also my favorite Chris Pine performance. #WonderWoman
— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) May 19, 2017
2. Gal Godot is absolutely phenomenal as #WonderWoman. She KILLS it, just surprisingly good. A truly heroic light DCEU desperately needs.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) May 19, 2017
Was expecting to hate the relationship stuff, loved it. The fish out of water dynamic between Gadot and Pine make this film shine.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) May 19, 2017
And some made intriguing comparisons to other comic book movies, one in particular:
Shades of Captain America TFA. I would like a crossover of Steve and Peggy and Steve and Diana going on double dates, please. #WonderWoman
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 19, 2017
Easily the best of the DCEU. And I liked MAN OF STEEL. It’s part CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIRST AVENGER and part “fish out of water” THOR 1.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 19, 2017
#WonderWoman is solid. Definitely a step up from the last few DC movies. Its retro war vibe makes it feel like their Captain America.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 19, 2017
Even many of those critics who weren’t entirely over the moon for the picture walked away celebrating some of its elements:
Pacing is a problem in the 2nd half but charisma & chemistry, and emphasis on hope & heart left me eager for another watch. #WonderWoman
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 19, 2017
There are certainly some issues, like a mismatched 3rd act, but I’ll discuss that in a longer review. Overall though, Wonder Woman rules.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 19, 2017
3. Rough parts? Sure. But guys, guys, YOU GUYS! You’ll truly LAUGH. And you’ll walk out, for once, feeling downright inspired by a DC movie.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) May 19, 2017
And top off the lot, a few words from our own Managing Editor Alicia Lutes:
#WonderWoman has some of the coolest, most insanely well-performed, and badass fight scenes ever; singularly choreographed + shot. And fun!
— Alicia Lutes (@alicialutes) May 19, 2017
…in other words, looks like we’ve got plenty of reason to be hopeful for this next outing. Share with us your expectations and hopes for Wonder Woman!
Featured Image: Warner Bros
