Wonder Woman 1984, directed by Patty Jenkins, significantly underperforms compared to its predecessor, delivering a sequel that lacks the coherence and emotional depth of the original. Despite its vibrant 1980s setting and a promising premise, the film struggles with a convoluted plot, uneven pacing, and underwhelming character development.
The story follows Diana Prince, played by Gal Gadot, living in 1984 Washington, D. C., working at the Smithsonian and performing heroic deeds in secret. The plot centers around the Dreamstone, an artifact that grants wishes but at a significant cost. Diana's wish brings back her deceased lover, Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, whose return feels forced and undermines Diana's independence, making him a "masculine crutch" rather than a supportive character like Peggy Carter in the Captain America films.
Gal Gadot continues to shine as Wonder Woman, but even her strong performance cannot save the film from its narrative flaws. The script fails to give Diana the same level of complexity and growth seen in the first film, reducing her to a more passive figure. The return of Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, while charming, dominates the storyline unnecessarily and detracts from Diana's heroism.
Kristen Wiig's portrayal of Barbara Minerva/Cheetah and Pedro Pascal's Maxwell Lord add some intrigue but ultimately fall flat. Wiig's transformation from a meek scientist to a powerful villain is one of the more interesting arcs, but it is rushed and lacks depth. Pascal's Maxwell Lord starts strong but becomes increasingly cartoonish, failing to provide a compelling adversary.
The film's pacing is uneven, with long stretches of exposition and meandering subplots that detract from the main narrative. Key themes about truth and the consequences of wish fulfillment are lost in the cluttered storyline. The over-reliance on CGI, especially in the climactic battle scenes, makes the action feel less grounded and more cartoonish compared to the original.
Visually, the film has its moments, with vibrant colors and some well-executed action sequences, but these are not enough to compensate for the lack of a cohesive and engaging story. The opening sequence featuring a young Diana in an athletic competition is a standout, but nothing else in the film matches its visual cohesion or emotional impact.
Wonder Woman 1984 is a disappointing sequel that fails to capture the magic of the original. The film's convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing result in a lackluster viewing experience. While Gal Gadot's performance and the nostalgic 1980s aesthetic provide some highlights, they are not enough to overcome the film's significant weaknesses. Wonder Woman 1984 earns a 4 out of 10 for its missed potential and overall execution, leaving fans yearning for the brilliance of the first film.
