Wonder Women! the Untold True Story of American Superheroines is a vibrant and insightful documentary that highlights the evolution and impact of female superheroines in popular culture, particularly those in America. Released in 2012, the film brings on board an ensemble of iconic figures including versatile actress Lynda Carter, best known for her role as the original Wonder Woman, a trailblazer for female superheroes and a significant icon for women's empowerment.

Marvelous screenwriter Jane Espenson, who has credits on several cult classic TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica, also contributes with her thoughtful analysis in the documentary. Kathleen Hanna, the punk zine writer, activist, and frontwoman for bands such as Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, offers her take on the influence of these superheroines, voicing her perspective from the feminist activist side of the spectrum.

An inherently feminist film, Wonder Women! the Untold True Story of American Superheroines charts the development and impact of powerful female characters throughout American history, as depicted in comic books, TV shows, and movies. It starts from the golden age of comics, diving deep into the creation of Wonder Woman back in the 1940s. The documentary dissects how the character came about as a response to the grim, male-dominated world of superheroes that was prevalent at the time.

Then, the narrative follows the rollercoaster journey of women superheroes through the ages, examining the fluctuating fortunes and societal context, from the feminist resurgence of the 1960s and 1970s to the modern-day renaissance of strong female super-powered characters. The movie offers an astute observation of how societal changes influenced the portrayal of female superheroes, and in a twist, how they, in turn, came to influence society.

Rendered with a fine balance of humor and gravitas, Wonder Women! the Untold True Story of American Superheroines features detailed interviews with a selection of authors, artists, cultural critics, and hardcore fans, who share their personal relationship with these characters and articulate the influence these superheroines had on their lives. Throughout the narrative, the film reverberates with thought-provoking questions about gender and power, challenging the perceptions of what society typically views as heroic and how that applies differently to male and female characters.

Equally important to the story line is the movie’s analysis of the highlight reel of pop culture milestones, including the character of Buffy on a popular TV show, the Riot Grrrl feminist punk movement, the depiction of female characters in Star Trek, and more. These stories serve as a backdrop to investigate the message, cultural significance, and impact of these female figures of power on society at large, particularly with respect to young girls and women.

The documentary also examines the still-existing tendency in popular culture to focus primarily on male characters and to often downplay or objectify female characters. It skillfully explores the persistent gender disparities in mainstream media, calling out the under representation and the common clichéd depiction of women.

Overall, Wonder Women! the Untold True Story of American Superheroines is more than just an exploration of female superheroes; it is a celebration of feminism, a tribute to powerful women, and a call to action. It blends historical context with contemporary insights, making the film relevant and engaging. Whether you're a dedicated comic book fan, a casual viewer of superheroes, or an enthusiast of pop culture, this documentary brings forth perspectives that will likely make you reevaluate your perspective on heroism and gender roles in popular culture. The film is a dynamic combination of inspiration, retrospection, and a daring look at the future of women in popular culture, making it a must-watch for not just the comic book fans, but for everyone.