Caught somewhere between Richard Donner’s Superman and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man is Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 1984. The boisterous sequel to the milestone 2017 hit ups the ante with exciting new characters and a new period setting, but what truly wins out is the vibrant heart planted firmly at its center.
After a rousing prologue set in her homeland of Themyscira, we find Diana Prince AKA Wonder Woman in the year of 1984, where capitalism is soaring and the promise of the “American Dream” is ever prevalent. “You can have it all and not even have to work for it” promises Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), an egomaniacal TV personality/businessman making a living out of conning others in an attempted Ponzi scheme — sound a bit familiar?
Diana now works in the anthropology department at the Smithsonian where she befriends quirky loner Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig). Together they discover an ancient artifact that attracts the likes of Max Lord, and Barbara herself. Diana’s deceased lover, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), also mysteriously enters the picture, causing him and Diana to discover the powers of the artifact in order to bring down Lord and Barbara, who somehow is growing stronger.
Wonder Woman 1984 is a fairly radical change in tone from the previous film. While the predecessor had its share of humor and light, the tone was still fairly serious given its setting in World War 1. WW84, however, takes the joyous tone from the original Christopher Reeve Superman films and even a mixture of Tim Burton’s Batman and Joel Schumacher’s Batman (the good parts at least). Largely working as an effective satire of the greedy excess of the 1980’s, director Patty Jenkins merges the playful style of classic 80’s blockbusters, with the modern Superhero film DNA.
Gal Gadot is even better this time around as the titular heroine. Her charismatic charm is undeniable, but she’s able to dig even deeper into the complexities of the character. After 60+ years since the events of the first film, Diana has now outlived her friends and finds herself alone in the world. Her friendship with Barbara gives her a much-needed connection that is later complicated by Barbara’s transformation into the villain, Cheetah. Diana is also given the complication in the reunion with Steve Trevor. While details of Trevor’s return are lodged directly into spoiler territory, it’s not a spoiler to note how rich Gadot and Chris Pine’s chemistry remains. The two actors are an irresistible pairing that carry the film through some of its weaker elements.
Kristen Wiig, playing slightly against-type, showcases her exquisite range as an actor. Taking particular inspiration from Michelle Pfeifer’s Catwoman, Wiig seamlessly captures the meek figure we intially find Barbara to be, while finely channeling the rage and anger that leads to her ultimate transformation. While the character’s turn as Cheetah is perhaps a bit too shoehorned — and saddled with some unfortunate CG — Wiig’s dynamic performance is able to compensate for such shortcomings.
Pedro Pascal is exceptionally compelling as Maxwell Lord. What could’ve been a one-note character is surprisingly nuanced through Pascal’s lived-in performance. Even when Pascal operates at scenery-chewing highs, he’s still able to find the humanity that keeps the role from turning stale.
Director Patty Jenkins succeeds at maintaining a consistent vibrancy throughout the (admittedly bloated) 151 minute runtime. Jenkins, who has always been a great actors director, grows as a top-tier visualist filmmaker. The action sequences are used sparingly and although nothing is able to top the chill-inducing “No Man’s Land” sequence from the first film, each set piece is equally rousing. A freeway chase in the second act calls to mind Raiders of the Lost Ark, while an early, dazzling sequence in a mall feels directly lifted from the 50’s and 60’s comics.
The 80’s setting is in full force and while Jenkins surely jumps at the opportunity to satirize plenty of the era’s politics, costumes and culture, the jokes aren’t overdone. Jenkins allows the setting of 1984 to serve as the backdrop and not as a punching bag. Jenkins also uses the time period as her ode to 80’s blockbusters; channeling Spielberg, Zemeckis and the works to great effect. Many will likely be taken aback by the radical shift in tone, but Jenkins succeeds in mixing the vibrant, playful and occasionally goofy with genuine dramatic stakes. Composer Hans Zimmer, who returns to the DC universe, provides much of the gravitas that makes these shifts in tone work as well as they do.
When WW84 works, it works like gangbusters, but it’s frustratingly held back by an uneven script that gets too fond of plot conveniences and tired clichés. Some subplots are stretched a bit thin causing the narrative to muddle itself and although Jenkins and co-writers Geoff Johns and Dave Callahan take no shortage of risks — especially for a tentpole film such as this — not every risk pays off.
The biggest risk is in the form of the final act. Jenkins and co. clearly aim to sidestep the effects-driven climax of its predecessor that many, including Jenkins herself, found to be too unimaginative and generic. The climax here is sentimental and a bit corny but is executed in an open-hearted earnestness that makes it hard to resist it’s — fairly naïve — messaging. It also successfully tugs at the heartstrings without feeling too manipulative.
Wonder Woman 1984 will likely turn off some viewers looking for a mindless superhero flick that they’ve been starved for this year. As Diana is portrayed to be leas of a warrior, but more of a lover, the same also goes for the film. The subversiveness Jenkins is aiming for puts Wonder Woman 1984 more in league with Batman Returns or Iron Man 3. Still, this is a flawed, ambitious blockbuster bursting with heart and (ahem) wonder.
Gal Gadot continues to beam a liveliness and grace to the role of Wonder Woman that truly cements her among the most radiant film stars around.
The movie was good but not as the first in my opinion. Like most superhero film you expect more action. This time it focus more on deeper meaning with antagonist and little bit less with the protagonist. I like the route what Patty Jenkins stayed on.
Very interesting review. Most are bashing it. This makes me want to check it out for myself.
There must be something wrong with me I enjoyed it very much.
I know the story was simple, but the acting and directing was fucking awesome.
Chris Pine’s performance was amazing. He’s literally died in 1918 and is in 1984.
Kristen Wiig’s performance was amazing she played an awesome role as a serious actor Gal Gadot did great Pedro Pascal’s a treasure.
I know the story was basically mini Diana learning there are no shortcuts for cheating and that’s what Max Lord learned at the end. It also appeared to be shot on film so that gets me rock hard too.
Soooo long and drawn out
Like it. But I don’t think it was as good as the first one. However, I thought Mando ( Pedro Pascal ) was Amazing!! He showed so real range. I think bigger things are ahead for him.
I still loved Wonder Woman.
Here’s what you need to know about Wonder Woman. It’s pretty intentionally an 80s movie. There are many cheesy troupes and they play with them on purpose to have fun. It’s plot is most similar to Superman II, which is appropriate and amazing. It is true because it takes place in the 80s, it feels like lesser art than that the amazing WWI period piece of the first one, but if you like one, but if you like the character and go in knowing it’s trying to be pretty fun while telling a pretty decent story with a solid final conflict resolution at the end, then you will enjoy it.
It’s a good other side of the coin to the first movie, which I like because they clearly went into this not wanting to repeat themselves. This is in many ways the opposite movie of the first one. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but go in knowing that and have fun with Gal Gadot. She’s the best cast actress in a role in a very long time. She is Diana.
Wonder Woman 1984… Not the worst DC film I’ve seen, but that was a drag. It was like getting dinner plans cancelled at a fancy restaurant only to get a cheap tv dinner. Not horrible, bit it doesn’t really leave you filled.
This movie was terrible, her running alone was horrible , no action scene and the two they actually had was terrible. Car fight was boring with terrible acting, the cheeta fight was terrible and fast, the best actor was the kid. Smh. Just got done watching this. They really should stop destroying my comic action heroes in terrible movies. Smh take your time come out with quality stuff for god sakes
The hate this movie has been receiving has been insane to me. I enjoyed the first Wonder Woman enough but found it to be overall forgettable and treading familiar ground (if not in a fun way). Wonder Woman 1984 was an improvement to me! I was shocked as I had no interest in the movie and wound up really enjoying it beginning to end. I enjoyed both villains, many of the action setpieces, the style and tone of the film. I’m glad you brought up Sam Raimi, Richard Donner, Tim Burton and even Joel Schumacher (RIP) as defense, this feels like a COMIC BOOK movie in the sense that it has a palpable feel of a exaggerated, fantastical world with a mix of satire and an attitude that knows what it is: a goofy comic book movie, the filmmakers mentioned had no fear in showcasing that and I applaud Patty Jenkins for following suite. Wonder Woman 1984 is easily one of my favorite DC movies in recent memory, it tops some more recent Marvel affairs too I would much rather rewatch WW84 than say a Spider-Man Far From Home or even a Captain Marvel, I felt more heart and a desire to tell a unique story that embodies a living breathing golden age comic book escapism, isn’t that what we want from these movies anyways?
I also enjoyed this one more than the first. I don’t understand people? The first was passable but it had so much exposition and the third act was horrendous. While 1984 has some dodgy CGI as well towards the finale, there is more of assured poise to be found with Wonder Woman 1984 that was missing in the first. As you point out in the review, it offers the fun experience of a comic book movie, something that has been drained as so many lately think they need to be Oscar worthy. The self-seriousness ends up coming off righteousness, where this is a refreshing memory of what escapism should be like.
Gadot has never been better than she is here, and the game of stunted love she plays with Chris Pine is not only emotionally resonant but wittily paralleled at every turn that reminds me of The Importance of Being Earnest. One could argue that there is too much earnestness on display here, not only are Diane and Steve Trevor dealing with an existential crises of a mysterious reconnection, but so is Maxell Lord, and his disconnection with his son, and Barbara Minerva’s transformation into Cheetah which holds some rich subtext and subversive commentary on how women feel they need to shape themselves in a misogynistic world. Patty Jenkins knows how to balance great ideas with moments of exhilarating humor and breathtaking visual flair.
I would rate it 3.5/4
Barbara got two wishes. Why aren’t we pointing that out more?
There must be something wrong with me I enjoyed it very much.
I know the story was simple, but the acting and directing was fucking awesome.
Chris Pine’s performance was amazing. He’s literally died in 1918 and is in 1984.
Kristen Wiig’s performance was amazing she played an awesome role as a serious actor Gal Gadot did great Pedro Pascal’s a treasure.
I know the story was basically mini Diana learning there are no shortcuts for cheating and that’s what Max Lord learned at the end. It also appeared to be shot on film so that gets me rock hard too.
I liked it. I can appreciate a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It had something to say and the message was received. That’s purpose driven filmmaking. I like how they replicated the 1980’s (I was there) and I love Gadot in anything.
#WW84 was pretty good! It lacked a bit in the CGI area, but overall a great addition to the DCEU. I really like Patty Jenkins’ directing style (even though it doesn’t match the dark style of Snyder). You gotta see the post credits scene, too! Gal Gadot and Kristen Wiig had great chemistry! I never thought Wiig would be this good in a super hero movie. Pedro Pascal did a great job as a villain, he does well in pretty much everything. Chris Pine. I love the man. He kills it. Another thing: Zimmer did it again. Incredibly well done score. He borrows from Murphy, from the (possibly overplayed but) incredible Adagio in D minor from Sunshine. He used Beautiful Lie from Batman V Superman’s opening. He also got some epic cello licks from Tino Guo, and WW’s theme. Very awesome score!
I liked this sequel, but didn’t love it. With the first film, I got so many goosebumps, but with this film, I felt it was more fun to watch vs feeling all the emotion I did with the first. This sequel did have beautiful cinematography and I loved how it was set in the 80s. Pedro pascal was amaxing as Max Lord!!! Gadot, wig and pine all really delivered as well. I rate this 3.5 stars. Its a fun comic book film!
It didn’t live up to the hype for me. I liked where it was starting to go but lost interest right away.
No matter what we think, Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Gadot have signed on to do WW#3. Money talks.
Thank you. We were so excited but then this cavalcade of bad impressions came tumbling through and I was second guessing spending the time.
I not only liked Wonder Woman 1984, I think it was better than the first movie! Pedro Pascal was great as Maxwell Lord and made him one of the more memorable comic book movie villains.
Taking a cue from a friend, upon reflection of WW84 and legit criticisms I’ve read, I’d like to retract about it being great. While it’s not as good as the first one and it has issues, I don’t think it deserves the level of vitriol directed at it.
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea|
I have read several just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you place to create one of these wonderful informative site.|
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!|
Hello to all, because I am genuinely eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It contains good data.|