'Wonder Woman 1984':
Sequel sinks, hooks on to cliche By Keanu Silva, News Editor
Warner Brothers brings a brand new look at Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince with the first sequel in the DC extended universe in “Wonder Woman 1984.” Patty Jenkins (Director) focuses on Prince’s ’80s lifestyle while still grieving from her past adventures and trying to stay under the radar. This time, the studio decided to adapt the story and characters to the decade’s trends and appearances, from parachute pants to absurd impersonations of the generation’s habits, and as a result, the action-superhero side of the movie is almost forgotten throughout the entire run of the film. Gadot’s acting is still on point, but with a few absurd takes on the idea of being in the ’80s, living life and still trying to embody the decade’s TV acting performances. Since the plot is based around the basic, overused theme of “I will make your dreams come true, and I will take something from you,” the audience already knows what is supposed to occur later in the movie. In spite of the foolish plot, Pedro Pascal’s performance as the power-hungry infomercial tycoon Maxwell Lord is, without a doubt, the best part of the movie. He was able to combine the role of the luxurious overlord with the almost broke dad that wants nothing but a happy life for his child masterfully. The movie takes the advantage of Wonder Woman being a powerful goddess to the point where nothing seems to align with what is happening with the story. One scene shows Diana hook to a plane thousands of feet above the ground, and suddenly the character is able to fly as if the air suddenly turned to water. Kristen Wiig's performance as Cheetah was not so bad, but the studio tries to once again bring to the screen the overused, cliche, nerdy character with extreme jealousy going to extremes to be accepted. And once again, it fails: Wiig’s envious take on the villain is
Poster for "Wonder Woman 1984" featuring Gal Gadot as Diana Prince. "WW84" was released virtually on DCFanDome on Dec. 15 and its U.S. theatrical debut was on Dec. 25 PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS PICTURES often poor and the once-powerful character is suddenly defeated after nothing. Another thing that makes the film ridiculous is the need for a romantic partner. So much for having Wonder Woman demonstrate strength on her own. Lastly, Warner Brothers took the concept of the ’80s too far. The movie becomes foolish, and there is no more superhero left in the character. The one action
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sequence with the tanks brings a small balance to the table, but it doesn’t give any more reasons for the silliness to even exist. Pascal’s performance is the highlight, and the post-credits scene cameo gives the audience hope that the character still has more to explore, but the movie looks like it needed some more work to be more acceptable instead of looking like an unplanned cash-grab.
