Genre: Animated Superhero | Directed by: Lauren Montgomery | Release Date: 2009
The film follows Diana, an Amazon warrior, who ventures into the modern world to stop Ares, the God of War, from unleashing chaos and destroying humanity.
Plot
The 2009 animated Wonder Woman film delivers a tightly woven and engaging story that balances mythological roots with superhero sensibilities. Rather than bogging itself down in over-exposition, it efficiently establishes Diana’s world, her upbringing among the Amazons, and her motivations for leaving Themyscira. The pacing is sharp, carrying the narrative from Diana’s backstory into her relationship with Steve Trevor, which develops naturally without overwhelming the central conflict. Their dynamic provides both levity and emotional grounding, adding a strong human connection to Diana’s otherwise mythical journey.
The film excels at giving supporting characters meaningful roles, never making them feel like filler. Each player contributes to the greater arc, ensuring the plot maintains both forward momentum and depth. Ares emerges as a compelling antagonist, threatening humanity with both physical and ideological menace. Unlike many one-dimensional villains in superhero media, Ares’ power and charisma make him a believable threat, elevating Diana’s struggle. Themes of responsibility, compassion, and the clash between violence and diplomacy are woven neatly throughout the story.
As an origin tale, it doesn’t just show Diana becoming Wonder Woman — it highlights her growth as a leader who must balance Amazon ideals with the needs of mankind. The conclusion feels both earned and satisfying, wrapping the narrative in a way that’s powerful without overstaying its welcome. It’s easily one of the most efficient and entertaining Wonder Woman stories put to screen.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production
The animation in Wonder Woman is sleek, fluid, and dynamic, capturing the grandeur of myth while keeping the action kinetic and accessible. Character designs stand out, with Diana’s look in particular balancing strength and elegance. The fight choreography is sharply executed, especially in the large-scale battles and Diana’s one-on-one showdowns. Ares’ design captures menace effectively, heightening his threat visually in every scene he inhabits.
The score, while not especially memorable, fits the film’s tone well enough to support the action and drama. It enhances key sequences without overshadowing them, though it lacks a standout theme that could have solidified its legacy. On the other hand, the sound design is crisp, with combat sequences and Amazonian weaponry resonating with weight and impact. Explosions, crashes, and mystical elements all contribute to a rich auditory experience.
What truly shines, though, is the writing. The script respects both the mythology of Wonder Woman and the superhero genre, crafting dialogue that’s natural, witty, and reflective of Diana’s growth. The adaptation from All-Star Wonder Woman and the broader lore takes creative liberties, but those changes serve the story well, streamlining complexity without dumbing it down. Attention to detail in the script ensures the looping narrative threads and character arcs resolve cleanly, making it feel like one of the most carefully developed character-driven entries in DC’s animated film slate. Lauren Montgomery’s direction also deserves recognition here, as she guides the tone with confidence, ensuring the balance of myth, humor, and heart never tips too far in one direction.
Rating: 4 out of 5Performances
The voice cast elevates Wonder Woman to another level. Keri Russell delivers a stellar performance as Diana, embodying both the Amazon’s strength and her humanity. She carries warmth in her voice that makes Diana approachable, while her commanding delivery ensures she feels every bit the warrior princess. Russell strikes the perfect balance between compassion and authority, grounding the film’s emotional center.
Nathan Fillion is another standout, bringing his signature charm and wit to Steve Trevor. His banter with Diana adds humor without undercutting the drama, making their relationship feel authentic and enjoyable. The chemistry between Russell and Fillion sells the emotional core of the film, a rare achievement in animated superhero projects.
Alfred Molina’s Ares is appropriately menacing, with charisma that reinforces the god’s manipulative nature. Molina’s delivery conveys gravitas, making Ares a villain worth rooting against. The supporting cast adds further depth, with Rosario Dawson, Marg Helgenberger, Virginia Madsen, and Oliver Platt all contributing memorable turns. Their voices help flesh out the world of Themyscira and beyond, making the ensemble feel fully realized rather than background noise.
Director Lauren Montgomery brings it all together with an eye for character-driven storytelling. She has a knack for blending strong performances with visual storytelling, ensuring that no scene feels wasted. Her ability to keep the tone consistent — serious when needed, humorous at the right beats — underscores her talent in handling ensemble-driven narratives. Montgomery’s steady hand keeps the film tightly focused on Diana’s growth, making the performances all the more impactful.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Wonder Woman is a triumph of DC’s animated lineup — a film that balances myth, action, and heart with efficiency and style. Strong animation, a sharp script, stellar voice work, and Montgomery’s assured direction make it both a faithful introduction to Diana and a compelling superhero tale on its own. Though the score isn’t particularly memorable, the film’s strengths easily outweigh its minor flaws. Wonder Woman gets 4 out of 5.
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