jerry-worley76

I grew up in the Linda Carter era and remember the male response to her physique well. She was perceived as a bimbo by many and received no respect. That memory made me oppose the idea of this movie. "Here we go again."

What changed my mind was reading some initial reviews by women and looking at Gal Gadot's bio. I was astonished to read a woman say she was going to take her daughters to see the film. That could only mean strong approval for Gal Gadot's presentation, and no 'jiggle-factor'. Reading that she was a combat instructor in the Israeli Army as well as being a former Miss Israel was intriguing. This might work! Seeing it was a great experience!

I am not a sociologist, but "Wonder Woman" seems to come at a time when girls/women are yearning for an ideal heroine they can own. Strong female disapproval of this film would have killed it in days. Gal Gadot superbly provides a believable, fully-developed character that taps into what women want. A woman director was the key to "Wonder Woman". Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielson are all effective in shaping Wonder Woman's growth and evolution as a person. Well recommended, BUT, the final climactic battle is way Overdone. It follow the same kitchen-sink formula as Man of Steel, Transformers, etc.

A standard-issue modern war film that splits off mid-way through into the occult is an interesting premise. Other reviewers have deciphered the Middle-Eastern mythology operating in the film, but the viewer is left too far adrift to be satisfied when the film is over. Still, 'The Objective' is worth watching for its atmosphere, and conveys dread if not horror very well. The Special Ops unit operating in a VERY remote part of Afghanistan are convincing as soldiers not acting, rather than actors being soldiers. The narrative is problematic and with some re-working of the last segment 'The Objective' might become a minor classic. Ironically, the only frightening aspect of this film is the Earth itself--imagine being cut-off in the true Middle Of Nowhere where the mind begins to play tricks on itself devoid of civilization. Anyone who has driven off the map and spent a few nights in the desert alone has, in a sense, dared fate to come and get him. The Superstition Mountains of Arizona are a local example of eeriness. So, 'The Objective' is entertaining and almost works. Added special effects would make no difference improving it, as it operates in the mind. Give it a try.

This film suffers from cartoon excess that make the original '300' look conservative. More is not better, but the flying blood reminds you this is a comic book sequel and not history or even mythology. No doubt, ancient wars were gruesome and personal, but CGI has been pushed here beyond historical parody into an over-stylized, self-contained universe of gore that overwhelms the mind. In other words, this is a great popcorn flick. Nothing more.

Within that universe, the female warrior reigns supreme. Eva Green must be seen and beheld as possibly the greatest female villain ever: Artemisia. She owns the movie and is deadly believable in her role. Her evil energy and slicing sword overshadow anyone else in a scene with her. She makes love the way she makes war, and has made a deep impression on other reviewers who basically despise 'Rise Of An Empire' for its many sins.

Lena Headey, Sparta's queen Gorgo, narrates the storyline and shows regal gravity. She wades into the Persians with cold annoyance and no armor. A patriotic counterpoint to Eva Green's burning vengeance.

The lesson of '300-Rise Of An Empire' might be never abuse women--they may grab a blade and use it.