Why 'Wonder Woman' Outshines Other DC Extended Universe Films

The release of 'Wonder Woman' marked a significant shift in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), offering a breath of fresh air that many fans and critics alike eagerly anticipated. Unlike its predecessors in the DCEU, 'Wonder Woman' succeeded in capturing the hearts and minds of audiences while setting a new standard for superhero films in terms of character development, world-building, and thematic depth.

Character Focused and Free of Political Intrigue

No.1: 'Wonder Woman' is a film that all superhero fans were dying to see on the big screen. While Superman and Batman films often have their moments, 'Wonder Woman' stands out for its unwavering focus on its central character. No political agendas were pushed, and the film didn't delve into the complex political landscape that typically burdens other superhero movies.

No.2: It had a very compelling set of villains barring the last scenes. The villains were engaging, yet their presence was secondary to the narrative, which allowed the characters and their journey to take center stage.

Patty Jenkins’ Vision and Gal Gadot’s Stellar Performance

No.3: 'Wonder Woman' wasn’t trying to push any political agendas. Instead, it focused on Gal Gadot’s best on-screen performance as Wonder Woman to date, bringing a freshness and innocence that were highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. No.4 emphasizes the refreshing nature of 'Wonder Woman' compared to the darker tones of other films like 'Batman v Superman' and 'Justice League'.

No.5: The film wasnt as dark as 'MoS' and 'BvS', it was a breath of fresh air. This reverence for a lighter tone is a hallmark of the film and sets it apart from the more somber atmosphere of other DCEU entries.

No.6: It came right after the worst DCEU movie in my opinion, 'Suicide Squad'. 'Wonder Woman' was a stark contrast to the previous film, offering a needed change in tone and storytelling.

Character Development and Thematic Depth

No.7: 'Wonder Woman' had a very compelling supporting cast. But, perhaps most importantly, it had a more focused, more character-driven storyline. The weakest parts of the film occur when the focus shifts away from character development, toward more action sequences. Patty Jenkins approached the film as a character story rather than an action flick. The climax almost tore everything she accomplished to bits, but the earlier parts of the film were filled with character depth and development.

Most of the credit can be given to Patty Jenkins. She established 'Wonder Woman' as a character story, allowing the world-building and action sequences to serve the character-driven narrative rather than overshadow it.

Superior Setting and Color Palette

No.8: More focused storyline. Origin is an organic part of the story rather than a lengthy prologue. WW1 background is interesting and unusual. In many ways, 'Wonder Woman' combined excellent character development with an engaging historical setting that few MCU films have achieved.

No.9: Real World Setting! Beyond the island of Themyscira, London provides an intriguing backdrop that sets it apart. The film not only establishes the WW1 setting but does so in a way that resonates with viewers, unlike the haphazard city destruction and lack of character investment seen in other DCEU films.

No.10: It shows more than just our heroes. The supporting cast receives varied screen time, and their roles are fully developed, providing a more well-rounded and immersive experience. This adds depth to the overall narrative, making the story more compelling.

No.11: Its use of color! Themyscira is colorful and vibrant, contrasting beautifully with the bleak London setting. This visual storytelling not only enhances the film's aesthetics but also serves as a metaphor for the duality of the heroine's journey from a sheltered paradise to the harsh realities of the human world.

No.12: 'Wonder Woman' was a game-changer for the DCEU. It presented a real-world setting, showed more than just our heroes, and utilized a vibrant color palette to create a visually stunning film that resonated with audiences. It serves as a blueprint for future DCEU films and has set a new benchmark for character-driven superhero cinema.