The highly anticipated sequel to the fantastic 2017 film Wonder Woman is a rather mixed bag, but it’s filled with quite a few sweet treats if you let yourself overlook enough to enjoy it. Not without its many faults, particularly with its storytelling, the film still manages to entertain those fans of the Amazonian demigoddess.
As the title would suggest, the film picks up with Diana (Gal Gadot) in 1984 living and working in Washington, D.C. However, when a mysterious stone is taken by Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), Diana, her friend and coworker Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), and society, begin to realize the consequences of a simple wish.
Following the insane success of the first film, to say that the sequel was anticipated would be an understatement. With that film being far and anyway better than anything else the DC Extended Universe has offered audiences still to this day, it was never going to be an easy task. Unfortunately, director and co-writer Patty Jenkins does not meet the expectations with this film.
The tone is almost a complete 180-degree turn from its predecessor. A lot of that has to do Jenkins’ direction and story, which take the character to places we don’t exactly expect, especially considering this movie takes place more than 60 years later. The incorporation of this mystical wishing stone allows the film to do quite a bit, oftentimes to its detriment, especially when considering the continuity of the DCEU as a whole.
One of the biggest misfires here is the reincorporation of the Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor, who died in the climax of the first film. His is reintegrated into the story in such a way that almost makes the viewer’s stomach churn. It doesn’t help that the method of bringing the character back gives absolutely nothing to do the story. It doesn’t bring up any ethical dilemmas or questions of judgment in our protagonist, instead it’s just used for laughs and almost forgotten throughout the film’s runtime until the film’s ending.
And that’s just the problem. Rather than things naturally flowing in order to allow the story to happen, it seems like every other scene has some sort of plot contrivance that forces things to happen, rather than characters making those decisions for themselves. The only time a character actually makes a decision in the movie is a scene near the end of the film between Diana and Steve, and it hits home emotionally because we as the audience are already invested in that relationship. But everyone else in the movie appears to just be a victim of circumstance, which doesn’t make for as interesting of a viewing.
Fortunately, the performances from the main four cast members all shine. Gadot and Pine don’t miss a beat and still maintain that same electric chemistry that helped make the first film so memorable. Even though most may not agree with the method his character is brought back into play, it’s hard to deny that Pine is fantastic in the role. Gadot continues to completely embody Wonder Woman, to the point where it’s difficult to envision the character being played by another actress.
New additions Pascal and Wiig do great work as well, although the latter isn’t given too much to do in the grand scheme of things. Pascal is excellent and enigmatic as the main villain of the film, while Wiig’s character, who’s interesting to see transform, could have easily been cut from the film altogether. It feels as though she was just included to give Wonder Woman someone to fight in the climax. Still, Wiig delivers a good performance that’s worthy of recognition, even if the writing didn’t do her justice.
While the new direction and tone of the film may be a little jarring, it still can be enjoyable. Personally, the tone and brighter color pallet gave the series some much-needed levity after the occasionally dower feeling of the first, having followed up 2015’s Batman v. Superman and 2016’s Suicide Squad. The series would benefit from keeping this same tone with future installments rather than trying to force itself into a universe that no longer exists. That much was appreciated.
Ultimately, Wonder Woman 1984 is exactly what it promised to be from the trailers. While some may be disappointed and plot contrivances can make the film a bit annoying at times, it’s still an enjoyable watch that brings new life into the character and story moving forward. Despite not being nearly as memorable or likable as the first, it will be interesting to see where Jenkins takes the character in the series’ third installment.
Grade: 3 / 5 Woo’s
Directed: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Lucian Perez, Amr Waked, Kristoffer Polaha, Natasha Rothwell & Lynda Carter
Release Date: December 25, 2020
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