“Wonder Woman 1984” stars Gal Gadot and is the sequel to “Wonder Woman” (2017). The film’s beginning depicts Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) reminiscing about her childhood as a younger version of herself, portrayed by Lilly Aspell—we see her as a child learning from her mentors. These scenes set the film’s underlying tone by enlightening us to Diana’s upbringing and her mentors, leading her to achieve success within the parameters of being true to herself and others.
Diana Prince is living her life in Washington, D.C., over 60 years after the events of the original “Wonder Woman” (2017). She’s an anthropologist at one of the Smithsonian buildings; she also saves lives under her superhero alias, which is carried out in a low-key manner. During a robbery, a Latin-inscribed stone is found, and with the help of her colleague Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), they discover that this “Dreamstone” grants one wish to any person who asks—but at a cost. The rock entices the villain in the story Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal). In a somewhat ridiculous plan, he turns himself into the Dreamstone and begins wreaking havoc.
Clip: Nothing good is born from lies, and greatness is not what you think.
I’m all in 3 and ½ stars out of 4; “Wonder Woman 1984” is exactly the film we need to teach young girls throughout to world that they can be superheroes by doing their best in helping others.
Writer and director Patty Jenkins is on target in bringing us a stunningly beautiful film where dreams can come true. Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) Diana’s love interest is brought back, and their reunion is visual, dreamy eye-candy for all.
Patty Jenkins ’80s neon color palette brings the set design alive, while I also enjoyed Kristen Wig’s Cheetah transformation. Even though the two rivals fought tooth and nail, I can only imagine the fun they had between takes. And that’s what this film is all about, having fun while sitting back, munching your popcorn, and being entertained. However, I did feel that the running time was too long.
Sarah Knight Adamson© January 3, 2021