Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Movie Review

Posted on by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes
details
Title: Wonder Woman 1984.
Rated: PG-13.
Director: Patty Jenkins.
Story: Patty Jenkins & Geoff Johns.
Screenplay: Patty Jenkins, Geoff Johns & Dave Callaham.
Release Date: 2020.
Runtime:  151 min.
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy.
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kriten Wiig, Pedro Pascal, and many more!
Budget: $200,000,000.
Box office: $132,100,000.
My Overall Rating:

Rating: 1.5 out of 5.
thoughts

Following the note-worthy success of Wonder Woman (2017), it was only a matter of time before actress Gal Godot returned to play the daughter of Queen Hippolyta, Diana Prince. While the current situation of the DC Extended Universe (or Worlds of DC) remains shaky and mysterious, it didn’t stop director Patty Jenkins to explore another chapter of Wonder Woman’s life as the hero continues to grow into her inspiring role and later join the Justice League to stop alien threats from invading their planet. While she has lost a lot during World War I, she has also learned valuable lessons about love that pushes her to continue her valiant vigil over mortals. However, in the 80s, she emerges once again from the shadows and makes more sacrifices for humanity that will allow her to understand the importance of honesty and truth in a world brimming with greed, hate, and violence.

What is Wonder Woman 1984 about? In 1984, Diana Prince (Gal Godot) is alone in the world, secretly fighting crime as Wonder Woman, trying her best to avoid the public’s attention, while also working at the Smithsonian Institution. This is where she meets Barbara Ann Minerva (Kristen Wiig), a klutz and socially-awkward new employee hired as a geologist and crypto-zoologist. While their friendship grows, Barbara finds herself mandated by the FBI to identify stolen antiquities. One item draws their attention in particular as it happens to promise the holder that one of their wishes can be granted. Thus enters Maxwell Lorenzano (Pedro Pascal), a failed businessman dreaming of extreme wealth who has been plotting his rise to godhood through this artifact. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready for what he was going to bring upon them.

The '80s Women Pop Stars We Need to Hear in WONDER WOMAN 1984 - Nerdist

If the premise for this sequel wasn’t already a hint at the upcoming mess this was going to turn out to be, the final product is sure to convince many that director Patty Jenkins just didn’t have it this time around. The narrative at the heart of this sequel that remains relatively self-contained in its own Wonder Woman lore is built upon some of the most illogical grounds that a superhero movie could ever be built upon. It doesn’t even ask the viewer to suspend disbelief for a second, it demands them to embrace the irrational, unethical, stereotypical, and impossible for a solid 151 minutes. Sporadically saved (or at least, attempted to save) by the over-the-top performance by Pedro Pascal’s performance, the movie is an incohesive and far-fetched journey filled with ludicrous behaviours and motivations.

On top of the extremely poor characterization offered for every single character, and some truly questionable and unethical sequences pertaining to Wonder Woman’s love interest, the movie is further dumbed down by an uninspiring portrayal of the 80s, from the dullness of what should have been a colourful, splashy, and vibrant era, to the poor costume designs, at one point even mocked at with a humourous jab in the form of a photo shoot. The score composed by Hans Zimmer (previously by Rupert Gregson-Williams) is also poorly utilized, never properly capturing any of the epic scenes that were so poignant in the first movie. If anything, the entire adventure, one that should’ve had friendship as the driving force of the story, was overshadowed and diluted in a repetitive and unoriginal love story that completely loses its focus as it attempts to ridiculously juggle multiple heavyweight themes without any tact.

Wonder Woman 1984 GIFs and Avatars thread | The SuperHeroHype Forums

You’d imagine that there would be some sort of saving grace in a movie that runs this long for no good reason. Unfortunately, there isn’t. The final act capitalizes on the very essence that makes this movie flop and pushes the boundaries of stupidity a bit further by presenting an implausible plot in all of its glory. There isn’t a single action sequences that doesn’t make you cringe at the awkward CGI effects alongside the evident green screens. As much as Gal Gadot’s natural beauty is mesmerizing, it doesn’t excuse everything else that was achieved in this movie. Add in the disgraceful representation of the Arab community, you’d wonder what else they could do wrong, only to realize that Cheetah’s origin story is forgettable. Unfortunately for Warner Bros, their latest DC movie has once again dipped low in their pursuit to establish a compelling cinematic universe on the big screen (or is it streaming services nowadays?).

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) is a narratively-messy tale about love, closure, truth, and lies, while also lacking the esthetic potential of the era and sloppily handling Wonder Woman’s charm due to poor characterization and heavy plot holes.

EXHIBITA
Wonder Woman 1984 is available on HBO Max and various streaming services as of today.
Have you read any Wonder Woman comics?
Have you seen Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)? Will you? What did you think about it?
Share your thoughts with me!
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Published by Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes

Reader. Reviewer. Researcher. Criminology Ph.D. Candidate. Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Want to know more? Connect with him!

72 thoughts on “Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Movie Review”

  2. As much as I love Pedro Pascal, and believe me that’s quite a lot, nothing really could save this movie. It was unnecessarily long and idealistic to a ridiculous point. I didn’t buy half the performances, which robbed the story of importance. I really feel you on this review.

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Right? I love the guy in basically all the TV series I’ve seen him in (I haven’t liked his movie roles to this day though, from this one in WW84 to the sequel to Kingsman…) but this movie was surprisingly bad. I don’t know what they were thinking. How can it have deviated so far from what the first movie succeeded in doing.. 😮 Thanks for reading, Kat! Always a pleasure to hear your thoughts! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. I can’t say I loved many movies he was in, but I do like his roles? Not sure that makes sense, but for example We Can Be Heroes. Is it a good movie? Nope. Does he play precious dad in it? Yep. There’s just something about him that gives me a warm feeling.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Thank you, sir. While I enjoyed the fun of the start of the movie . . . It faded worse than the haircut that Justin T. Had at the start of his career!

    It turned into a “phone” movie, one you didn’t feel guilty for researching while watching. Tally-ho!

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    1. My friend… I have never been much of a fan of her acting chops, if there are any. I found her incredibly dreadful in the Fast and Furious series, for example. I really think Wonder Woman is her breakout performance… Maybe her cameo in Batman v. Superman was her best moment? Hahaha

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  10. That’s sad… you confirm what I’ve been reading elsewhere. Seem like another DC movie I’ll see on HBO one day, with my attention shared between browser tabs and the movie…

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much what you’ll be compelled to do. It’s a disaster, one that makes no sense whatsoever. I wish they hadn’t done this to Wonder Woman… All hopes of the DCEU lies in the upcoming Flash movie now… Hopefully, it’ll introduce Flashpoint and give us the much needed reset button.

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  14. It’s too bad this movie was so disappointing. Yours is not the first review I’ve read that gives it such a low rating. In times when we need good movies, this is such a bummer. I don’t know that I will watch it. I feel like I already did through your review.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Aw man, I wish I could tell you that she’d love this movie but I think its flaws are too big to ignore this time around. I do hope that you guys can still enjoy it a little if you ever dare venture there. At least the first Wonder Woman with Gal Gadot is still quite thrilling and empowering! 😀

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  18. Ouch. From what I’ve heard Wonder Woman 1984 has plenty of infamous moments doomed to be meme fodder for years to come (the possession springs to mind). And unlike other examples, this one didn’t win over critics. Shame, really – the DCEU seemed to be gaining its footing after Shazam!.

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    1. It’s a cringe-fest. One that shouldn’t have happened if they had followed, AT LEAST, the same formula as the first movie. Now we have to hope for a miracle with the other queued up DCEU movies… from Black Adam, Shazam 2, or Aquaman 2, I think there best bet lies in the upcoming Flash movie if it at least looks to deliver the famous Flashpoint story and hit that reset button for the DCEU…

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  20. Somehow, I find your negative reviews very entertaining to read 😂 anyway, I remember seeing many trailers for this movie at the cinema and wasn’t too impressed by the trailer itself – I’m also not a huge fan to begin with – so I’m quite glad I didn’t even give it a second thought! Thanks for sharing your awesome reviews as always Lashaan!

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  21. I was looking forward to this movie, but I have yet to se a positive review from anyone I trust. The first Wonder Woman is arguably the best DC superhero movie that wasn’t directed by Christopher Nolan. It sits perfectly in WW1, has some great characterization and development, and Wonder Woman feels like a true superhero who needs Steve to help her understand the world. It actually felt unique yet familiar at the same time.

    This movie sounds like a complete mess from start to finish. Throw in some very questionable morals, a near complete lack of action in a movie that’s about 2 and a half hours, and poorly explained abilities that Wonder Woman shows at convenient moments, and you’ve got a movie that I am in no rush to watch. I’d rather watch something entertainingly bad like Steel (starring Shaq), or a movie that will make you feel like you’re on drugs, like the 1978 made-for-TV Dr. Strange movie.

    Or better yet, 2019’s Joker, which I haven’t yet watched yet. Will probably watch it this weekend though.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. The first WW movie did it right in establishing the character in the DC universe while giving us an idea of how she feels and how she wants to grow into a superhero. This sequel, however, is blasphemous on so many levels. I hope you’ll be able to get more out of it than I do if you ever do give it a try. Steel was indeed “fun bad” but still as bad as WW84 now. Joker was a masterpiece for me, so you won’t be getting any negative press for it from me. Hope you enjoy it! 😀

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  23. Ouch man!!! Feel the burn haha! Well, I got this on Premium VOD the other night…and I didn’t hate it, liked it enough to enjoy it despite some of the numerous creative problems, much of which you highlight.

    I think it needed a tighter pace and a much stronger reason for it’s 80s setting. All in all not good awful but not a patch on the wonderful first film!

    Oh and sorry to be *that* guy but the score was actually by Hans Zimmer, not a standout Zimmer score unfortunately.

    Anyway, some great thoughts my good man… here’s hoping the Snyder Cut is more satisfying, although I’m a bit hesitant give we’re told it’s a narrative dead end…

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hahahah I was truly disappointed by this one. The plot holes and the shortcuts it takes blew my mind. This movie, while pretty disconnected of the DCEU beyond the after-credit scene, has me praying that The Flash movie and its highly possible Flashpoint story-arc is going to fix it all for the better…

      No worries about correcting me there. I had a feeling that I heard Zimmer’s BvS score in the movie too but I think both of them worked on the score together? Either way, the score definitely didn’t do much to save this for me hahah

      I’m having the same fears for the Snyder Cut but at least I had a lot of fun with the Justice League movie and wouldn’t mind seeing the extra scenes and the various characters that were supposed to make the cut. It’ll feel like one of those alternate universe movies that could’ve been Earth 0 but didn’t.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Yeah, I mean, I really didn’t think the theatrical cut of JL was as godawful as most make it out to be – sure, a little rushed and rough around the edges but it was entertaining. I’m still looking forward to the Snyder Cut but it’s also going to be hard to take if it is awesome because we won’t get the continuation of the story.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Ouch, ouch, ouch! Hahahahaha! Lashaan, you did it this time – didn’t know whether to cringe or laugh, and my final feeling after reading your review is one of moderate triumph of “I told you so” 😂😂😂
    Never had any intention of watching this, but I’m sorry that you had to go through what surely seems to have been a traumatic experience – hope you’ll recover soon, Lashaan! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hahahahahaha I wish you’d just see it so we can have a solid 0/10 review on your blog or something. I can see the rant coming from your end and I’m laughing out loud at its potential!!! Do it, Ola! Torture yourself, Ola! 😀 No worries about recovering though. I consume enough movies to make me forget WW84 like any other bad movies. 😛

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. I can see how well you wish me now, Lashaan! 😆What a great friend you are, that you just can’t wait to see me suffer 😜 Alas, I’ve read your review first, and forewarned is forearmed – so you get a big, resounding NO! 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  25. For some reason, I quite like to read negative review (I know, that is plain weird…). I absolutely adored your final paragraph – what a way to sum it up. 😁 Sorry, this was such a disappointment, hope you will have better luck with your next choice!

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  28. I wanted to love this movie so badly, and I just did not. It lacked a coherent message – it starts with young Diana being told you can’t cheat and take shortcuts and then that theme is NEVER revisited!! And not enough people are talking about the absolutely weird and casual way Diana handles the love interest situation. Which didn’t even make sense as a concept, Max can make missiles appear out of thin air, but can’t create a new body? Chris Pine and Gal Gadot tried so hard with what they had, but it just wasn’t enough.

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  30. Pingback: Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Movie Review – Kisafilms.com

  31. I agree. This movie was such a disappointment. I was kind of glad we were watching it at home just so we could talk during it about how much of a hot mess it was. 😦 I am just so confused about how it managed to go so wrong in so many ways.

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  33. I just watched WW84 last night. I must say, I like the first Wonder Woman better than this one. In addition, the intro of Wonder Woman in Justice League is so much better than the WW84. I don’t know why. I think it missed some kind of a touch or an oomph.
    The gold shield outfit is super good! Gal Gadot looks really good wearing it, however by wearing the suit you would wanna see more of what the suit is you know, since it’s a legend for the Amazonians. I don’t think she gave an enough energy to over power the suit which the suits can gave her this masculinity power as a woman and more.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I think that sums it up quite well. WW84 lacked oomph. There’s so much wrong going around that it made all the cool parts (like the legendary suit) seem so dull in the end. I do hope that they get back their groove with the upcoming sequel though! Thanks for reading though! I appreciate it. 😀

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