"Wonder Woman" review: The DCEU is finally getting it together!

I was excited to see this after the rave reviews it received from critics and moviegoers alike. This was also a pleasant surprise after the mediocrity, like "Man of Steel" and "Dawn of Justice" that DC was churning out. Part of that was due to director Zack Snyder, who is up there with Michael Bay and Joel Schumacher on my list of hack directors, although I have to admit the "Dawn of the Dead" remake was good fun. I think the DC higher-ups are trying to get rid of Snyder, but more on that later.

The movie starts on an island full of Amazons, a bunch of women who can kick pretty much anyone's ass. A wayward World War I pilot crash lands near the island and is rescued by the Amazons. Diana, princess of the Amazons, wishes to go with the pilot and end the war, who she thinks was caused by her evil half-brother Ares.

The movie plays out as a good period piece, and makes a statement about the treatment and strength of women without shoving the point down viewers' throats. Also, it's about time a female superhero gets to lead a movie, instead of getting shoved into the background, like Black Widow.

Also, the movie is well-paced, with a good balance of character development and action. The action scenes are very entertaining and have great effects and fight choreography. The Lasso of Truth is especially cool. Director Patty Jenkins, who also helmed "Monster," is a very competent director, considering her lack of experience in this genre.

If it wasn't for a certain movie sequel featuring a CGI raccoon, a baby tree and Stallone, this would have been the best comic book/superhero adaptation of the year.

Also, Gal Gadot, even though she was Miss Israel 2004, has limited acting experience. However, she is cast well for this iconic role. Her statuesque looks and decent acting make her a good choice for Wonder Woman.

A sequel, which will once again feature Gadot in the starring role and Jenkins as the director, is slated for summer 2019.

This flick was unsurprisingly one of the top hits of the year, making more than $410 million in the U.S. (second only to the Beauty and the Beast live-action remake) and more than $800 million worldwide. Also, its quality puts it on par with the Marvel movies. However, the DCEU has a long way to go before it can go head to head with the Marvel Cinematic universe, which is essentially a machine that turns out nothing but good, entertaining popcorn movies. There hasn't been a bad Marvel movie yet. Most of them are good, some of them are great.

My only gripe is I wish that they would havc explained when and where Diana picked up the name Wonder Woman. Maybe that will be addressed in the sequel.

As always, the DCEU is trying to play catch-up. In a couple of weeks (November 2017) the Justice League movie hits theaters. This movie features Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash. I also think there is a pretty good chance that a certain Man of Steel will return to fight with the League. Zack Snyder was directing the movie and will be credited as the director. Earlier this year, Snyder "left" the project after his daughter committed suicide, and the overworked Joss Whedon was hired to direct the reshoots and wrap up the film.

Personally, I think Snyder leaving was no accident. With "Dawn of Justice" being a critical and box office disappointment, I think it might have been the studio's intention to get rid of Snyder, since this is the most important film by far in the DCEU. You can already see Whedon's influence in the trailers for the film. The newest trailers, presumably overseen by Whedon, actually make sense and give you some idea of the story, as opposed to the first trailers, which resembled a music video, complete with loud music and slice-and-dice editing.

Anyway, pardon my digression. The bottom line is Wonder Woman is a damn good movie that fans and non-fans will like. (My wife also enjoyed this movie).

Have the Eagles found their perfect QB?

Last season, the Eagles were able to trade up in the draft to take QB Carson Wentz, a 6'5" passer from North Dakota State. Although his first season was a little shaky, the Birds finished with a mediocre, but not horrible, 7-9 season. This year, they are 6-1 out of the gate, and much of that is due to Wentz's incredible play. Although he didn't have crazy high numbers last week, this is one of the best games I've ever seen from any Eagles quarterback (and he is in good company with Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb). Here are some of the reasons Wentz is the perfect player for the Eagles and Philly.

1. He is an accurate passer.

Most of his passes are thrown with pinpoint accuracy. He knows how to put balls in the receivers' hands, and doesn't throw too many interceptions. The only times he seems to be off the mark is when there is a miscommunication between the QB and receiver in the huddle.

2. He is mobile.

For a lanky 6'5" guy, he really can move. He seems to know when he is out of options and has to keep the ball. The play where there was a pile of players almost certainly looked like a sack, but Wentz managed to wriggle out of the pile of large humans and rush for 17 yards. That was one of the most amazing plays I have ever seen. (link courtesy of NFL)

3. He has field awareness.

I think the most important skill for a QB to have at any level is being able to see the big picture. Wentz does this very well. He knows when his receivers are open, when they aren't, and how the defense is lined up. He isn't afraid to call an audible if he doesn't like what he sees.

4. He is tough and hardworking.

The most important skill for an athlete to have in Philadelphia is to be tough and play your heart out. More than 20 years on, people still hate on Ricky Watters after the "For Who, For What" game, and rightfully so. This town has no place for prima donnas who care more about their own stats than their team. Wentz will usually slide on a run like a QB is supposed to do, but he isn't afraid to take a hit to get a first down or extra yard. Also, he can take a hit and get back up. In Sunday's game, he was slammed to the turf. The very next play, he threw a bomb down the field, setting up a touchdown. (sorry, no clip yet).The commentators said he was "North Dakota Tough," but I am going to call him "Philly Tough." Philadelphia is a proud, working-class town, and they want athletes that don't quit and give their all on every play. That is why some of the names mentioned most in Eagles lore are Reggie White, "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik, and the incomparable Brian Dawkins.

5. His O-line protects him.

Even the best quarterbacks struggle if the offensive line can't block and the QB has no time to throw the ball. After some struggles in the first couple of games, the line has jelled as a unit and are doing a good job protecting their quarterback. Jason Peters' injury will hurt the line, but I am sure Vaitai (I'm not even going to attempt to spell the man's first name) will become accustomed to his new role after a week of practice.

6. He has some good receivers who know how to make plays.

One of the reasons the Eagles haven't been able to win a big game is the lack of playmaking receivers. Todd Pinkston? James Thrash? This season has seen a lot of production from free agency acquisition Alshon Jeffery, and some catches from Torrey Smith. Third-year man Nelson Agholor seems to have found his place as a great slot receiver.

7. Wow! A running game!

Last season, the Eagles were very pass-heavy. This is one of the reasons Wentz struggled a bit. It looked like more of the same early this season, as the offense remained out of balance. However, during the win over the Giants in Week 3, the running game came to life, led by LeGarrette Blount, with lots of help from Wendell Smallwood. Blount is a classic (I hate this cliche) downhill runner who can burst through the line. A strong running game takes pressure off the QB and balances the offense.

8. He has a good relationship with the players and coaches.

His fellow players seem to think Wentz is a nice guy. He doesn't hesitate to congratulate his teammates after a big play or score. He has also earned respect from the coaching staff. Doug Pederson seems like a laid-back "players' coach" and he has even managed to get some of his schemes from North Dakota State into the playbook. One of them was even used on a scoring play.

Now that I wrote this, I have probably jinxed him. Watch him start to suck or get hurt next week. Just don't hold me responsible.