A long-awaited sequel that delivers vibrant escapism, wrapped in 80s fabulous flair, that will appeal to fans of the WW franchise.
Co-written and directed by the progressive filmmaker Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman 1984 takes place seventy years after the events of the first film, where our protagonist Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) seems melancholic and withdrawn, pining for lost love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and living discreetly among mortals, as a curator of ancient artifacts at the Smithsonian, in the iconic 1980s, an era defined by letting go of inhibitions, relentlessly pursuing desires, and an insatiable hunger for more.
The movie’s most redeeming quality is that its overarching theme centers around the idea that everyone has a hidden hero, presenting a refreshingly emotional and charming end to a tiring year of cinema. Transporting you to the sleek ’80s with scrunchies, fanny packs, varsity jackets, and streets filled with bustling and colorful crowds, the movie shows the many ways women can be strong, heroic, and smart.
The review of this movie would not be complete without mentioning the incomparable and undefeated Wonder Woman villainess, Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), who gives a perfect portrayal of Barbara Minerva’s well-executed metamorphosis, from mousy to ferocious, even though that doesn’t ultimately bring her happiness. She stood out more than the main villain of the movie, the wonderfully suave Pedro Pascal (Maxwell Lord) whose blind ambition transforms him into what can be described as a reverse Aztec genie, granting wishes and taking what he wants on the way, highlighting the dangers of greed and excess. Jenkins points out that evil can often arise from collective apathy and selfishness rather than one costumed supervillain emphasizing that you must be careful what you wish for. Faced with present-day calamities such as wealth inequality and climate change, Jenkins is swinging the camera back to an era she sees as the root of many of these problems.
Faced against forces beyond her ken, and being forced to choose between what she most desires and the greater good (a dilemma most superheroes face) Diana is still committed to change hearts rather than break bodies, delivering a powerful reminder to use skills besides might to defuse situations. The movie was a well-deserved respite from the overwhelming 2020, which was one of the main reasons it got away with most of its shortcomings and cheesiness. It was a significant change of pace to visit cinemas once again and enjoy a film in iMax with caramel popcorn as Wonder Woman soars the air.