Educational Media Reviews Online

Wonder Woman was one of the first comic book superheroines, and is the longest-lived, and her story and influence run through this entire film. From 1941, when she was created, through to the present day, the story of women in comic books, movies, and TV shows is presented in a fast-paced and absorbing documentary.

A wide variety of experts appear – a comic book writer, authors, Gloria Steinem, scholars, fans, organizers, a psychologist, actresses Lynda Carter and Lindsay Wagner, and a sociologist – and express their opinions and admiration for Wonder Woman. But they are also quick to voice their reservations about some questionable story lines and those who would downplay the power of women by forcing characters into lesser roles.

The many covers and pages of comic books make for an effective use of visuals. Clips from TV shows and movies, and scenes from history including World War II and forward, enhance the presentation and provide variety. Those who remember the Wonder Woman TV show, Charlie’s Angels, The Bionic Woman, Aliens, Terminator 2, Thelma and Louise, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Xena: Warrior Princess, as well as those younger who have seen these shows and movies years after their release, will enjoy the scenes that are included.

All of these shots and clips present a great strength for the film, and provide context for the issues that are brought forward: the hypersexualized image of women in comics, the fact that few action heroines exist, and how women make up only 3% of the decision-makers in media. To combat this, scenes from a Reel Grrls summer camp, where teenage girls make their own movies, is included.

A well-conceived ending offers black & white and color photos of strong women throughout history who are heroines to modern women.

Extras include a director statement and deleted scenes, which mainly consist of additional talking heads content, as well as a comprehensive curriculum guide for middle school, high school, and college. Censored and uncensored versions make the film appropriate for a range of ages.

This documentary would make a good addition to school libraries, especially high school, college libraries, and public libraries. It would make a good discussion film for classes in women’s studies, history, and film.

Awards

• Winner, Audience Award, Indianapolis Film Festival
• Winner, Best Documentary , Bend Film Festival
• Winner, Documentary Feature, Dallas Video Festival