Wonder Woman gets movie spotlight, with high expectations

More than 70 years after she first burst upon the scene in her red bustier and blue shorts, Wonder Woman is finally getting her turn in the movie spotlight, and expectations could hardly be higher.

"Wonder Woman," with the title role played by former Israeli army soldier Gal Gadot and out in movie theaters worldwide this week, is the first female superhero film since 2005’s box office dud “Elektra,” and the first to be directed by a woman.

"I feel it was a lot of expectation resting on the shoulders of this film and resting literally on the shoulders of Wonder Woman,” said director Patty Jenkins, whose budget was more than $150 million.

"We tried to make a movie for everybody a la the grand classic films from 'Superman 1' to 'Indiana Jones,' so I hope we actually get a little of everyone," she added, referring to hopes that both men and women would see the movie.

Since her inception the character became a symbol of female empowerment. Lynda Carter became the embodiment of Wonder Woman when she played her in the highly popular 1970s television series.

But times have changed. Last year Wonder Woman lost her position as an honorary ambassador for the United Nations after a grass roots petition slammed the character as "a large breasted, white woman of impossible proportions, scantily clad ... the epitome of a 'pin-up' girl."

In the film, Wonder Woman's red and gold bodice doubles as a suit of armour in fight scenes in which she darts and dodges bullets, knives and thunder bolts.

"I love the costume," Gadot said. "I think it's beautiful, I think it's practical, easy to move in and to fight. And I also think it's sexy."

"She's not only super strong and confident and unapologetic, but she can be very vulnerable and confused and insecure," Gadot said.

Jenkins said that behind the fun, "I hope that we can use a character who stands for something so needed right now ... and to inspire people to be heroes in their own lives.

"She is fierce and strong and incredible but she's also idealistic for the good of mankind and she really believes in love and truth. ... I think the hero that we need for the future is that all of us are going to have to fight for what we believe in."