Wonder Woman 1984 (2020 Film) Review
"Wonder Woman 1984" finds Diana Prince living quietly alone in Washington D.C. as a museum curator of ancient artifacts. When an ancient stone that has the ability to grant wishes is uncovered, Diana must come out of hiding as Wonder Woman and prevent the greed of the world from destroying itself.
Gal Gadot returns as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman as does Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. Kristen Wiig joins them as Barbara Minerva along with Pedro Pascal as Maxwell "Max" Lord.
Patty Jenkins ("Monster," "Wonder Woman") directed "Wonder Woman 1984." Unlike the last film, Jenkins co-wrote the screenplay with Geoff Johns and David Callaham. Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jenkins, Gadot, and Stephen Jones all share producing credits here. Warner Bros. Pictures distributed "Wonder Woman 1984" with DC Films. ("Wonder Woman 1984" has been released in theaters and also digitally on HBO Max where the service is available.)
Overall Thoughts
A trailblazing film no doubt, "Wonder Woman" from 2017 managed to blow past any expectations set for it. While female-led action films, let alone superhero films, existed before, it was the first that succeeded wildly because it had gifted on and off-screen talent making it and a message of hope and love that was refreshing not only within the DCEU, but within the realm of superhero films as well. Three years later, we have the much-anticipated sequel, "Wonder Woman 1984," which is also a trailblazer right out of the gate as it's a major blockbuster that's been given a simultaneous release in theaters and also on HBO Max at no added cost for existing subscribers.
Director and co-writer Patty Jenkins' second Wonder Woman film is another entertaining and uplifting adventure with the character. As sequels go, Jenkins must be commended for being so daring in her direction because if it's one thing "WW84" isn't, it's a repeat of the first film. Tonally and stylistically, one could watch the two films back-to-back and tell them apart very easily. The world Jenkins portrays this time around isn't as bleak or divided by war. Instead, the tragedies that Wonder Woman must confront lie much more beneath the surface. The 80s setting fits the story Jenkins wants to tell about greed and self-actualization because that's an attitude most people associate the 80s with. Having the main hero wanting to fulfill their desires, while a concept that's not new in superhero films, is a compelling thread for Diana Prince/Wonder Woman thanks to the performance of Gal Gadot, who once more captures the heroism of her character.Pedro Pascal's Maxwell Lord is a great antagonist for this story because his longing for more serves as a mirror of Diana's increasing longing for what is missing in the solitude of her life. Pascal acts his heart out - and you can see it in his face this time ("This is the way") - selling the tragedy of his character and how his aspirations override his goodness. This is particularly true in his interactions with his young son, played by Lucian Perez. But Lord's impact is weakened by the inclusion of another antagonist for Diana, Dr. Barbara Minerva, played by Kristen Wiig. Jenkins goes with the "mirror of the hero" route with both Lord and Minerva. Where Lord serves as Diana's ideological mirror, Minerva is more her physical mirror. Even with that one difference, they're similar in their general motivations and even development as antagonists, which is why the two nullify the impact of each other. As good as both of them are, there should've been one villain for Diana to face, but the film tries to have it all and do both, much like the villains themselves in the film.
Chris Pine is the other weak link in the film. While Diana and Steve Trevor's relationship was one of the best things about the first film, the chemistry between the two characters isn't as strong in the sequel. Maybe that was an intentional choice on Jenkins and company's part, but the fly in that ointment is that the film also seems to believe that the viewer is as invested as they were the last time because it goes for big emotional moments between the two, and they don't hit as hard as they should. It doesn't help that the circumstances behind Steve's return, which is reminiscent of "Heaven Can Wait," is uncomfortable and hypocritical of the film for reasons that can't be delved into without spoilers. Most certainly, Pine is as entertaining as ever, but the relationship between Diana and Steve could've used more attention writing-wise.
Jenkins wisely chooses to limit the amount of action in her film and focus more on story. The segments are energized, but don't overstay their welcome. The effects compliment the action as they always do in these films, but although Hans Zimmer does support the film with great music, surprisingly, it's not all original. In two of the film's big emotional moments, he borrows the music of another composer for one and steals his own music - also from a DC film - for the other. Of course, the music is well done, but why Zimmer chose this route over composing original music to play over these two important scenes remains to be seen.
"Wonder Woman 1984" should entertain DC fans and non-fans alike. It has the hope and warmth that's essential to the main character as well as a message that makes it timely. Its story could've been tighter and more focused, sure, but it's intentions are pure, which overcome most of its fallacies in the end.
Rating: ★★★
Conclusion
This has been my review of "Wonder Woman 1984." Have you seen the film? If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below. I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review. Thank you for reading.
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