-The movie "Wonder Woman" had a huge opening
at the box office this weekend.
It became the first female-led superhero blockbuster ever.
But people have differing opinions
about the praise the film has received.
To make sure you get to see the issues from both sides,
we've invited two of our writers with contrasting points of view.
We'll examine their opinions
in a segment we call "Point, Counterpoint."
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
Ally and Amber, thank you for being here to discuss this film.
First question --
"Wonder Woman" grossed over $100 million this weekend.
Is this a definitive triumph for women in film, Ally?
-It absolutely is.
But let's not pat ourselves on the backs
just because Hollywood made one blockbuster movie
with a female protagonist.
Women only account for 32% of all speaking roles in movies.
A real triumph would be
to be bringing that ratio to half and half.
-Half and half. Amber?
-Half and half is delicious.
Have you ever had it?
It's like if milk and ice cream had a very yummy baby.
You can put half and half in your coffee
or you can just put sprinkles in it
and drink it straight and have a party in your mouth.
-Wait. What?
-Moving on.
"Wonder Woman" is the first successful superhero movie
directed by a woman.
Do you think this will encourage studios
to put more women behind the camera? Ally?
-I certainly hope so.
Right now only 7% of Hollywood directors are women.
But I will say the true glass ceiling will be broken
when studios give female directors big budgets,
even after they have a box-office flop,
just like they do with male directors.
There's still a lot of work to be done to achieve equality
in our nation's film canon.
-Strong words. Amber?
-I think cannons are great.
Especially when they're filled with confetti!
One time, I jumped out from behind my grandma's couch
and shot off a confetti cannon,
and the whole room filled with tiny sparkles and she fainted.
[ Laughter ]
And when she came to, she whispered, "That was fun."
-[ Laughs ] Your grandma sounds like a great lady.
-She is. Hey, Nana!
-Seth, she's talking about confetti
when the topic is "Wonder Woman."
-These are things I wonder as a woman!
You know what else I wonder?
Could I do a Daryl Hall impression?
♪ You're a rich girl, and you're going too far ♪
♪ But you know it don't matter anyway ♪
I can! -You can.
I thought he was right here. That was amazing.
Next up.
Also breaking records this year, the movie "Get Out",
which had a black lead and a black director.
Could this lead to more films for underserved audiences? Ally?
-Seth, every time a demographic that isn't white male and 18-34
comes out to support something, corporate America is shocked.
Why? We have jobs, we make money, and we spend that money.
The fact that minorities are a powerful economic force
shouldn't be a surprise.
-Well said. Amber?
-You know what's a surprise? This.
[ Bang ] -Aah! Oh, my God!
[ Laughter ]
Amber!
[ Applause ]
-Now...
[ Laughter ]
[ Both laughing ]
-Just real quick.
Let's step out of the scene for a minute and talk --
talk about how long we rehearsed this today.
-[ Laughing ]
I shot it backwards onto myself!
[ Laughter ]
-You two were backstage saying,
"Oh, it's so easy. It's just a button."
[ Laughter ]
-I just accidentally shot it right every other time.
[ Laughter ]
Oh!
-All right.
-The point is, Amber shooting herself with a confetti cannon
is off topic.
It has nothing to do with what we are talking about.
-Ally, this isn't "Point, Point."
It's "Point, Counterpoint." Okay, Ally?!
You get a point, and then Amber gets a point!
That's how it works, Ally!
-Fine. Did we get it all?
-Yes. You look beautiful.
-Thanks, Amber.
-And finally.
"Wonder" -- [ Laughs ]
"Wonder Woman" has been a big hit with critics.
But why do you think it's resonating with audiences?
-You know what, Seth? I have an answer for that,
but I won't waste my time because I'm sure Amber
has something ridiculous to say or do, don't you?
-Actually, I don't.
I saw "Wonder Woman" this weekend,
and when I saw it, I cried.
It resonated with me because I was so moved
by seeing a strong powerful woman represented on screen.
[ Laughter ]
It's impossible to put into words...
[ Laughter ]
...what that movie meant to women
or how much that movie can change the lives of young girls.
-Wow. Amber, that --
[ Laughter ]
That was beautiful.
Beautifully delivered.
[ Laughter ]
-That was -- That was truly beautiful.
[ Laughter ]
That was so much more beautiful
than anything Ally has said or done.
-Okay. Okay.
-I also think what's equally important is...
[ Bang ]
-Yay!
[ Cheers and applause ]
[ Laughter ]
-Amber, stop doing that. That's rude.
-You're right. Where are my manners?
-Oh! Thank you.
[ Bang ] -All right.
-Yay! -That was fun.
-This has been "Point, Counterpoint."
We'll be right back with Courtney Love.
[ Laughter ]