The lasso of truth compels its captive to do exactly that, tell the truth. The truth about Wonder Woman 84 is that it isn’t as good as its predecessor. What is also true is that it’s far more enjoyable than what’s being discussed on the interwebs. Warning some spoilers ahead…
Like many of us, I too was very excited to see WW84 when it was originally slated to come out. Then something called COVID showed up and through those plans and countless others into a frenzy. Fast forward several months later and thanks to HBO Max and select theaters across the country, we finally get to see the Amazon Princess. WW84 by its title takes place in 1984 nearly 70 years after the events in which Wonder Woman made her presence known during WWI. Also but 30 or so years before she teams up with the Justice League. I’ll comment on that in a moment.
In ’84 Diana lives a quiet life as a curator. It is a time and era driven by needs and wants. At the center of these desires for power is Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), a failing businessman in search of an ancient artifact that is a wish fulfillment magnet. Think Aladdin’s genie without the limits. There is an old saying that goes, ‘be careful what you wish for’. In the wrong hands, such wishes can be deadly while others come at a steep price.
With Maxwell Lord gaining more and more strength on the heels of other’s wishes, fellow curator Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) has her own wish, to be more like her friend Diana. As the often awkward Barbara becomes more confident, she showcases superhuman strength and agility ala Wonder Woman and becomes the villainess Cheetah.
A consistent criticism from those on social media is that there is not enough action which makes it boring. Then there is Wonder Woman pinning for a lost love. It is uncharacteristic for her to do so. She doesn’t need a man to define her. That last take is actually insulting towards the character and women in general. Diana’s wish to see and be with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) again is not unlike Superman’s desire to be human and be with Lois in Superman 2. No one thought Clark was weak or defining himself for his love for Lois but Diana somehow is. I think that’s unfortunate and narrowminded. One of the core characteristics of Wonder Woman in the films she has appeared in is that love conquerors all. Seems simple but if 2020 has proven anything, we can all use a little more love in the world.
If I had one concern or compliant is the continuity issue. WW84 feels like its own film and not part of a bigger shared universe. Both dialogue and events contradict past films. This is a problem that continues to plague DC and its extended universe. But that is another article for another day. Overall WW84 is better than Batman v Superman and the most recent Birds of Prey. I would say that it is probably on par with Shazam and Aquaman.
Director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot make a great tandem and the Wonder Woman franchise may end up being the foundation in which DC builds its film universe. Maybe.
Make sure to stay and watch the ending credits for a wonderful surprise. You’re welcome.
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig, Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen
PG13 155 MINS
WONDER WOMAN 84 – ***1/2 (out of 5)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
