WONDER WOMAN 1984: Entertaining but could have been wonderful.

 

Movie fans around the world anticipated the release of DC’s iconic super heroine movie “WONDER WOMAN 1984”. Had the world not in the pandemic state, moviegoers would have flocked the cinemas to enjoy the theatrical experience of Patty Jenkin’s latest offering.  Thanks to HBO Max as the alternative platform so we will be able to see this movie at the comfort of our homes.  

WW 84 has been getting mixed reviews globally from fans and pundits since its released last December 25. I kind of echo the same sentiment when I finished watching the film.

Directed by Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot returns as Diana Prince, an archaeologist working at the Smithsonian to study ancient artifacts in 1984. A new co-worker comes in, Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) a geologist and gemologist befriends Diana before becoming imbued with mystical abilities that gradually transform her into a cheetah-like superhuman. The con man and obnoxious Max Lord (Pedro Pascal), seduces Dr. Minerva to get the Dreamstone. Lord was successful in stealing the stone and gains its power to grant wishes while also becoming able to take whatever he desires from other people in return should they have anything he could want.  Diana also benefited from wishing in the ancient stone as her former beau Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) went back to life. Barbara had her wish granted too as she became popular, stronger, more confident and aggressive.

NARRATIVE:  WW84 is co-written by Jenkins and Geoff Johns. I like the simplicity of the WW84 narrative. I find it less complex compared to the 2017 WW film. The story-telling is easy to follow. It also did not lose its core in depicting the heroic goodness of Diana Prince. Love, sacrifice, truth and avarice are some salient points highlighted in the film’s narrative. I would have to agree with movie fans and pundits in saying that WW 84 showcased a lesser impactful villainess in the persona of CHEETAH and the con man MAX LORD. It would have been more intense had the DC movie featured a more powerful antagonist. The 1980s era backdrop setting is fun for me as I can relate to the nostalgia on the 80s era. But I would have preferred a modern day or maybe futuristic backdrop for a super hero film.  The downside of the narrative’s simplicity, the film is a bit predictable in Diana’s battle with Cheetah and Max Lord.  I find the humor in some scenes a bit bland and pale.

ACTORS:  Gal Gadot still flawlessly portrayed her role as WW. Her onscreen chemistry with Chris Pine is magnetic. I would never forget the scene where Diana has to denounce her wish and let go Steve to save the world. Kristen Wiig as Cheetah is not as intense as I would have imagined her as the lead villainess. Pedro Pascal as Max Lord is effective in being obnoxious.

TECHNICALS:  The cinematography, editing, special effects and sound are no doubt impeccable. I miss the IMAX and DOLBY surround experience had I seen it in cinema. Creating the 1984 backdrop is solid too.

WW84 is not as bad as most critics would put it. I still find it entertaining and fascinating. It may not be as grand and wonderful as expected, the movie is still a good two-hour escape and diversion from the pandemic stricken world.

MY RATING: 8 OUT OF 10.  Entertaining.