2020 I 12 I 151mins I Dir: Patty Jenkins
In 1984, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is living a quiet life in Washington and discreetly helping people as Wonder Woman. That is until a scheme from charlatan businessman Maxwell Lord (Pascal) threatens global catastrophe, tempting bumbling gemologist Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) down a dark path, and giving Diana something she never expected: the return of her long-dead lover, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine).
Whilst it had it's merits, I wasn't a huge fan of the first Wonder Woman, so I wasn't overly hyped for this but with Patty Jenkins on board to direct again (with a screen writing credit this time), the promising 80's setting and the return of the always great Chris Pine made me optimistic a quick and breezy blast of fun.
Unfortunately Wonder Woman 1984 (or WW84 depending on what piece of marketing you're looking at) has its moments but is definitely a huge step down from the previous film and ultimately falls flat.
The cast are all doing a lot with very little. Gal Gadot is great in the role and continues to be one of the best things about the DC Extended Universe. Kristen Wig is back playing the "clumsy person in glasses who wants to be noticed" which is as predictable as you can expect. Pedro Pascal gives an over the top performance which is enjoyable to watch and is a notable standout.
My main issue is with the return of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. I was looking forward to his introduction as the chemistry between him and Gal Gadot was the biggest strength in the first film for me. Unfortunately the film makes an incredibly questionable decision which I won't go into here but is definitely, let's say... strange.
Unfortunately the things it gets right have been done miles better in other films of the genre and its mistakes are the worst part of previous superhero films. After a corny introduction to Wonder Woman, I was willing to try and settle into the lighter tone but the film chooses to cast aside all charm that could have been pulled out of its 80's setting for something much more conventional with some half decent set pieces that are ruined by some pretty noticeable CGI.
Despite a year long delay due to the pandemic Wonder Woman 1984 is sadly a disappointing sequel that takes on too much and pulls very little off despite its charismatic cast and spectacle.
Written by
Joe Gist
STARRING: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen WiIg, Pedro Pascal,
BEST QUOTE: “Nothing good is born from lies. And greatness is not what you think."
FUN FACT: The role of Cheetah was first offered to Emma Stone but she declined. The role was then offered to Kristen Wiig, Patty Jenkins's first choice.
IF YOU LIKED: Wonder Woman, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League
'Wonder Woman 1984' Trailer