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“Wonder Woman” Doesn’t Have to be the Best Movie of the Year to be One of the Most Important

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This morning I woke up to an acquaintance on Facebook lamenting the fact that the new Wonder Woman film did indeed signal equality among the sexes because now a woman had made a superhero movie as terrible as any of the ones made by men. The post made me laugh a little, cause I get it – after seeing Wonder Woman last night, I can confidently say that it won’t be making any of my end of year top 10 lists. But that remark, along with David Edelstein’s equally negative and borderline leering review, also made me want to defend the movie and its immense importance.

Part of my problem with my Facebook friend’s assessment of Wonder Woman as “terrible” is that I feel like it should be graded on a curve – not because it has a female star and director, but because it falls under the sphere of this great comics universe in the DC/Marvel era which will rule our movie theaters forever and ever without end amen. If you couldn’t tell, I’m not a big comic book/superhero person – so the endless parade of Thors, what with his hammers and Lokis, Men, both Super and Spider, justice leagues and infinity wars, isn’t something I get that excited about. Instead I look for the ones that rise above – above the formulaic plot, the too many bad guys and the iffy dialogue so many of them suffer from. The first Iron Man did that. Logan did that. And Wonder Woman – it partly does that. It has its moments where the chemistry, the humor and the heart, all help it transcend the usual slog from origin story to saving the world. So it’s not a terrible comic book movie – I’d say for a non-comics fan, it’s a slightly above average comic book movie. And because it has a female star and director, because of the way it presents women as powerful and capable, because of the way it defies gender stereotypes, it’s also so much more.

We can now say that Wonder Woman is a critical and commercial success – it’s sitting at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and will bring in over $100 million on its opening weekend. So some backlash to all the praise and glowing celebrity endorsements is inevitable. And being someone who likes to think critically about film, I do understand that backlash – for me Wonder Woman was far from perfect. It was a passable film with some exceptionally beautiful moments. But apart from any critique about its structure, writing or special effects, there is a reason that this movie will be remembered and remarked upon for its significance, and that reason can be summed up in one word: representation, representation, representation.

Actor and comedian Kumail Nanjinani has a fantastic twitter thread about why the most recent Star Wars film, Rogue One, meant so much to him.  In one tweet he writes, “For the 1st time I really felt the importance of representation. I felt like a kid watching this movie. I felt like I could do anything.” And that sentiment, for him about seeing a racially diverse cast in a sci-fi movie, is the same way I felt about seeing Gal Gadot kick so much ass as Wonder Woman. I truly didn’t expect to get emotional going in to the film, but when I walked in to the theater to see a middle school aged girl getting her mom to take her picture in front of the screen, ticket proudly displayed, I was suddenly overcome with happiness and hope. To think that little girls watching would have new role models for strength and empathy, whom they could identify directly with,and that the little boys sitting next to them would see an example of men and women working as equal counterparts in the fight for good in the world, that was powerful for me. And that young girl’s excitement matters more than critical nitpicking – it’s a power that proves that this movie is a game-changer for generations to come.

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.

The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.

The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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