Review: Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman 1984 is the sequel to Wonder Woman (2017), bringing Gal Gadot back as the iconic Amazonian warrior. This installment shifts from the gritty World War I setting of the first film to the colorful and chaotic 1980s, with themes of greed, power, and the consequences of desire. Despite high expectations, the film received mixed reviews due to its uneven pacing and storytelling.
Plot Summary
Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is living a quiet life in 1984, working as an archaeologist at the Smithsonian while secretly continuing her superhero duties. When her colleague, Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), comes into possession of a mysterious artifact known as the Dreamstone, they discover that it has the power to grant wishes. Diana unknowingly wishes for the return of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), while Barbara wishes to become strong and confident like Diana.
Meanwhile, struggling businessman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) also seeks the Dreamstone, using it to gain immense power and influence. As the world spirals into chaos due to the stone’s unpredictable magic, Diana must stop Lord before he destroys everything. However, she faces a heartbreaking dilemma—using the stone’s power to bring Steve back has weakened her, forcing her to make an impossible choice.
Strengths
One of the film’s highlights is Gal Gadot’s performance as Diana. She embodies strength, grace, and vulnerability, making her character relatable and inspiring. Chris Pine’s return as Steve Trevor adds charm and humor, and his chemistry with Gadot remains strong.
Pedro Pascal delivers an over-the-top but entertaining performance as Maxwell Lord, adding a layer of depth to his villainous character. His portrayal of a desperate man seeking power to fill a personal void makes him more than just a stereotypical antagonist.
The 1980s aesthetic is well-executed, with vibrant visuals, nostalgic fashion, and a fun, retro-inspired soundtrack. The action scenes, particularly the opening sequence in Themyscira and the White House fight, showcase Diana’s strength and agility, though the action is less intense compared to the first film.
Weaknesses
One of the biggest criticisms of Wonder Woman 1984 is its inconsistent pacing. The film runs at 2 hours and 31 minutes, but much of it feels slow, with long stretches of dialogue that don’t always advance the plot. The action is sparse compared to the first film, which might disappoint fans expecting more intense superhero battles.
The story’s central premise—wishes coming true at a cost—is intriguing but poorly executed. The Dreamstone’s rules feel inconsistent, and the way conflicts are resolved, particularly in the climax, feels rushed and unconvincing.
Barbara Minerva’s transformation into Cheetah is another letdown. While Kristen Wiig does a great job portraying Barbara’s transition from shy scientist to confident adversary, her final battle with Diana is underwhelming and lacks emotional weight.
Verdict
Wonder Woman 1984 has moments of heart and spectacle, but it struggles with an uneven script, slow pacing, and underwhelming action. While Gal Gadot’s performance and Pedro Pascal’s energetic villainous role keep the film engaging, it lacks the emotional impact and tight storytelling of its predecessor. Fans of the character may still enjoy it, but it doesn’t quite live up to expectations.
⭐ Rating: 6/10
