Wonder Woman 1984 Review: Retro Charm, CGI Woes, and Heart

Introduction

After months of anticipation and a candy-aisle's worth of promotional merch, Wonder Woman 1984 finally arrived, promising a return to the vibrant world of Diana Prince. Following up on the critically acclaimed 2017 original, expectations were sky-high for Patty Jenkins to once again deliver a superhero spectacle with heart. This sequel plunges audiences into the neon-soaked excess of the 1980s, bringing back beloved characters and introducing new threats, all while navigating the tricky waters of legacy and evolution.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

[[Gal Gadot]] truly shines in her second solo outing as Wonder Woman. She's more comfortable and commanding in the role than ever before, making it clear why she's become such an iconic figure in the DCEU. Her performance elevates the material, especially in the film's more emotional beats, where she absolutely sticks the landing. The dynamic between Wonder Woman and Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, resurrected for this adventure, is a particular highlight. While the first film saw Diana as the "fish out of water," here the roles are cleverly reversed. Steve, plucked from World War I, grapples with the bewildering advancements of 1984, providing a fresh, often humorous perspective on modern life. This new spin on their chemistry keeps their interactions engaging and prevents the pairing from feeling like a rehash.

However, the action sequences present a more mixed bag. The initial mall throwdown, while aiming for a retro vibe, unfortunately comes across as overtly cheesy, reminiscent of comic book movies from the very era it portrays. The visual effects in these early moments, with characters appearing to be on strings, feel unnatural and unpolished, starting the film on a somewhat shaky foot. Later, a truck chase sequence suffers from noticeable CGI, with Diana's running appearing more like floating, detracting from the intended heroism. The climactic fight involving Cheetah, while a necessary physical confrontation, is largely obscured by darkness, a common cinematic trick to hide less-than-stellar visual effects. This decision ultimately diminishes the impact of what should have been a thrilling showdown.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Maxwell Lord is a standout, offering an unconventional and compelling villain. Unlike the typical super-powered antagonist, Lord is driven by emotion and a complex, almost tragic, ambition. His character introduces a fascinating dilemma for Wonder Woman, as she can't simply punch her way out of the conflict, forcing a more nuanced resolution. This intellectual and emotional challenge is a refreshing change of pace for the genre.

Conversely, the inclusion of Kristen Wiig's Cheetah feels somewhat forced. While Wiig capably handles the initial awkwardness and subsequent confidence of Barbara Minerva, her transformation into Cheetah feels shoehorned in to provide a physical fight for the third act. The character's three phases don't fully coalesce, and the ultimate payoff for her storyline is underwhelming. The film also features a flashback to Diana's childhood on Themyscira, complete with appearances from Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen. While visually appealing, this sequence doesn't significantly tie into the main narrative, feeling more like a contractual obligation than a vital plot point.

The film's pacing also suffers from its ambition. At two and a half hours, it feels a bit too long, with several elements churning together that could have been streamlined. The reviewer suggests that a focus solely on Maxwell Lord's storyline would have been sufficient, making the Cheetah subplot feel like an unnecessary addition that bloats the runtime.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Patty Jenkins embraces a distinct 1980s aesthetic, but the tone occasionally veers into overt cheesiness, particularly in the early action sequences. While some might argue this is intentional, it doesn't always serve the film well. The third act, however, manages to deliver a surprisingly effective and emotional message about humanity, even if it feels a tad sappy. It draws comparisons to the third act of a Jim Carrey movie, suggesting a familiar narrative arc that, despite its predictability, resonates with a heartfelt plea for humanity. This emotional core, while perhaps a bit heavy-handed, ultimately works for those receptive to its earnestness.

The Final Verdict

Wonder Woman 1984 is a film with undeniable strengths and noticeable flaws. Its greatest assets are the magnetic chemistry between [[Gal Gadot]] and [[Chris Pine]], and [[Pedro Pascal]]'s compelling, unconventional villain. These elements keep the narrative afloat, providing genuine entertainment and emotional depth. However, inconsistent CGI, a somewhat forced secondary villain, and an extended runtime prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor. Despite its stumbles, there's a great movie buried within, offering a good time for those willing to overlook its imperfections. It's a vibrant, if occasionally uneven, journey back to the world of the Amazonian princess.