Wonder Woman 1984 | I wonder where the action is (review)

Wonder Woman 1984 is the highly anticipated sequel to (2017) Wonder Woman and the third film in the DC Comic franchise for the Israeli actress Gal Gadot. 

[This review was contributed by AF]

Fast Forward 56 years from the previous movie, Diane is living in the 80’s full of hair spray, three-story malls, and neon fanny packs. Aging gracefully, she secretly stops the bad guys and works as a curator studying Greco-Roman antiques in the Smithsonian. Diana and a new employee Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wigg), are assigned to investigate a new artifact being recovered from a robbery called the Dreamstone. Meanwhile, a failing business tycoon Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), has been tracking this stone to exploit it and gain ultimate power, which sets the movie in motion.

The Plot

Aesthetically the design of the sets, music, and fashion showcases the remarkable work and research done to achieve the 1980’s atmosphere. Older millennials may appreciate its subtle hints of old school breakdancing and colorful scrunchies. Though the city is vibrant and full of life, Diana, Barbara, and Maxwell are depressed personally. Dreaming for a chance at success, love, or admiration, they cast their wishes with the Dreamstone and inadvertently pay a heavy price. 

After a bit of investigating and a few action sequences, all three are confronted with their consequences and choose their dreams over the world’s delicate balance. Of course, chaos ensues, but the audience or viewer may feel robbed as the film does a good job building the anticipation of the fight scenes but then switches gears to sentimental moments that end with a dud. 

The Struggles

Weak fight scenes aside, the film has beautiful cinematography. Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had great chemistry, but Kristen Wigg felt a bit out of place. Pedro Pascal got the job done playing the villain, but the script may be the culprit in the film’s disappointment.

Wonder Woman 1984’s theme is you can’t always get what you want. However, it dives deeper into the perception that one has from the inside, looking out. They see a picturesque moment and become envious because they feel they are unlucky. 

Does acceptance mean defeat? Can you change what’s impossible? This movie provided a shortcut to your heart’s desire and showed what happens when you take it. 

But honestly, who wouldn’t? 

The Overall

Finding peace in your current situation changes your perception of life. If you’re unwilling to learn, you put your life on hold living in a moment instead of making new ones. The film made this point, but not in the classic superhero fashion. The director took a different approach, and it was not well received. 

Wonder Woman 1984 is watchable, but find a way without an HBO Max Subscription. 

Maybe wait for the tv broadcast premiere.