Wonder Woman 1984

In UK cinemas. Spoiler free review.

Patty Jenkins directs and Gal Gadot returns in the title role for the follow up to 2017’s Wonder Woman reboot. This time we find Diana Prince in 1984 where she meets Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) a smart but shy colleague, who is asked to look at an artifact by the FBI. There is more than meets the eye with this mysterious stone as it attracts the attention of business man and TV personality Max Lord (Pedro Pascal). Once the stones “power” is unlocked, however, we discover the risks that come with its rewards, including for Diana as she has to deal with the personal consequences of the stones power.

I had mixed views of the 2017 film and those same reservations exist with this follow up. There are certainly things to enjoy, as well as some of the flaws that tend to come with DC’s superhero films.

Let’s start with the flaws and they are all related. Firstly it’s much too long at 2 1/2 hours and this reflects in the pacing problems, while at times there is fast paced fun it often creaks under its own weight of story. And there is the other problem, as so often with DC they struggle for balance, while they occasionally want fun, they so often find themselves wanting to be oh so serious.

But that said there is enjoyment, Gadot again is hugely engaging and watchable as Wonder Woman and Pedro Pascal finds the balance of misguided bad guy perfectly. At times there are bits of real fun as well especially in the first 20 minutes , as well as some at the expense of the 80’s. And while the story itself gives the film some tonal issues, I did admire the attempt to tell a story focussing on the impacts of a greed is good culture alongside a prevailing attitude of taking without any thoughts of the consequence.

I think ultimately it was the attempt to tell that story that I liked and admired. It’s certainly flawed, but with Gal Gadot in the role it’s always watchable and overall an enjoyable enough reason to head to the cinema too see it if you can.