So that was disappointing. After waiting – and waiting and waiting and waiting – for the release of “Wonder Woman 1984” and then waiting a little longer to watch it on Christmas Day, I pretty much don’t understand why this movie exists. I mean I get why it exists: successful first movies in a potential blockbuster franchise, particularly those based on superheroes, typically result in sequels which are incredibly lucrative marketing opportunities as well as international moneymakers. So, you know, sell those toys. But as far as a narrative reason for existing? It’s pretty hard to figure out why except someone on whatever focus-grouped committee wrote this mediocre monstrosity is the world’s No. 1 Steve Trevor fan.
Now, having said all that, I am still glad the movie has been (relatively, all pandemics considered) successful and resulted in the immediate green-lighting of a third Wonder Woman movie. Women deserve to be behind the camera, (not to mention every room where decisions are being made), period. Despite not loving her sophomore effort, Patty Jenkins deserves all the franchises you throw at her. Like, say, being the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” movie. And, with any luck her return to Diana Prince will center the woman behind the W (instead of her long-dead boyfriend and or a wish-granting baddie who somehow receives a full redemptive arc), so we all get the female superhero we deserve again.
Still, Hollywood has this annoying habit of consolidating its talent and franchises into giant monopolies helmed by the precious few (see J.J. Abrams with “Star Wars” and “Star Trek”). So while I am pretty excited about what Patty will do with “Rogue Squadron,” I can’t help but wish they’d spread the love. Imagine a “Star Wars” movie helped by Gina Prince-Bythewood (of this year’s spectacular “The Old Guard,” a movie so good WW84 only wishes it could polish its labrys)?
So, thoughts on WW84? Did you hate it, or did you hate it? No wrong answers, unless you loved in. In which case you Steve Trevor Fan Club pin is already in the mail.
p.s. The hands-down best thing about WW84 is the suprise mid-credit extra scene. Trust me, it is worth it even if the film is not.
From the reviews I thought it would be absolutely horrible, but it was just meh. I didn't like or dislike it. A little too sappy and boy centered for a action movie about Wonder "Woman". The Barbara character turning into Cats on Broadway gone bad was ewww. If you have 2.5 hours to kill, you could spend it in worse ways.
ReplyDeleteYou have to enjoy it for what it is....a wonderful parody of early Trump, and a campy superhero film. It was too long, but most superhero films are. And, yes, it had issues with the whole body-swapping thing. But it was fun romp at the end of a truly miserable year. And graced with the end credit scene. We were talking back and howling throughout - something not appropriate in a theater so it was a perfect streaming film.
ReplyDeleteIt’s fine, I don’t get all the hate for it.
ReplyDeleteNot as good as the first one but still better than a dozen other superhero movies I’ve seen..l
some of the action scenes look goofy (too much swinging in vines for my taste) but overall I liked it, specially the villain being a trump-like figure. And the extra scene after the credits was awesome
Looking forward to WW3
What I really want is an Amazon franchise...series...trilogy...Themyscira, PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteLoved the opening of this new movie. Loved the opening of first movie.
How disappointing!
ReplyDeleteIt would have been nice if 'Wonder Woman 1984' scripted Wonder Woman as more of an Amazon, focusing more on women instead of having her obsess about a (choke, puke) man.
It would be even nicer if, in that vein, the script for 'Wonder Woman 3' eighty-sixed men entirely, leaving Steve Trevor long dead and forgotten.
I am glad women were involved and had major roles...
I guess I'm just getting old and tired of waiting...
I'll try to remember to fast-forward to the mid-credit extra scene if 'Wonder Woman1984' appears on NetFlix.
It started off good but it was too long. Didnt hate it but disappointed. Damn is Gal Gadot pretty. Kristen Wiig didnt get enough of anything in this movie. The stuff in end credit scene was a rainbow after the rain. Still happy there will be a 3rd.
ReplyDeleteI saw a cheetah doll in Walmart prior to the first delayed release. I thought it had to be a bad mockup but the CGI cheetah was pretty much just like the doll.
I was very disappointed and glad I watched at home for free. I read a book through it.
ReplyDeleteLoved the flashback part in the beginning, but the rest was mostly okay. The campy bits were a surprise, but considering the original WW show and its camp (which I watched when it aired), I can't get too critical. The was an interesting vibe between Diana and Barbara while they had drinks together--too bad that wasn't an option to explore.
ReplyDeleteI agree with whomever said this was better than a lot of superhero movies. It was there, it had a few moments, and I'm happy to know a third film has already been approved so we can have another chance for women to show their stuff both in front and behind the camera.
I'll watch Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman any day of the week, and 5 times on Sunday! *lol* However, this movie was let down by the script. The actors did the best they could with what they had to work with. Hopefully the next WW movie will be better. Regardless, I'll happily watch Gal in any movie as Wonder Woman.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, the first film was so good that this was a massive disappointment in comparison. It's a 90 minute film that's padded out to 150 and both the script and directing were clumsy. Gal Gadot and Chris Pine seemed to realize this and just phoned it in. The redeeming factor was how good Kristen Wiig was as Cheetah, so I'm hoping that the third film will see her as the central villainess.
ReplyDelete