Film Review: "Wonder Woman 1984" (2020).

"A new era of wonder begins" in Wonder Woman 1984. This superhero film directed by Patty Jenkins, written by Jenkins, Geoff Johns and David Callaham, and based on the DC Comics character created by William Moulton Marston. It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Diana Prince lives quietly among mortals in the vibrant, sleek 1980s -- an era of excess driven by the pursuit of having it all. Though she's come into her full powers, she maintains a low profile by curating ancient artifacts, and only performing heroic acts incognito. But soon, Diana will have to muster all of her strength, wisdom and courage as she squares off against Maxwell Lord and the Cheetah, a villainess who possesses superhuman strength and agility.

In June 2017, after the release of Wonder Woman, during an interview with Variety, Johns revealed that he and Jenkins had started writing the treatment for a sequel and that he had a "cool idea for the second one". In late July, at San Diego Comic-Con, the studio officially announced a sequel, entitled Wonder Woman 2, would be produced. By mid September 2017, it was officially confirmed that Jenkins would be directing the sequel. Additionally, it was reported that Callaham was hired to co-write the script with Jenkins and Johns, who had already been working on it for several months. In mid June, the title of the film was announced to be Wonder Woman 1984. By mid June, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen would reprise their roles, with Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal would round out the cast as newcomers. At the same time, with a budget of $200 million, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late December under the working title Magic Hour. Filming took place in Alexandria, Virginia; Washington, District of Columbia; Canary Islands, Spain; Almería, Andalucía, Spain; and Warner Bros. Studios, in Leavesden, England. The film was shot with IMAX film cameras for select action sequences. In August, Hans Zimmer was announced as the film's composer, replacing Rupert Gregson-Williams, who scored the first film. The film was originally set for a December 13, 2019 release date, before being moved up to a November 8, 2019 release date, then it was delayed to June 5, 2020. In late March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film was again delayed to August 14, 2020. In June, the film was once again delayed to October 2, 2020, before it was finally delayed to December 25, 2020.

The film stars Gadot, Pine, Wiig, Pascal, Wright, and Nielsen. Mostly this film is great because of the journey of the characters, especially Wonder Woman, and the strong performances. Substantial credit should also go to Wiig's casually menacing Cheetah, who transcends her questionable costume and make-up to appear a convincing threat.

It is easily the best spectacle movie of the season. On some levels soars above its predecessor with a more personal story; credible, menacing villains and an impeccable cast.

Simon says Wonder Woman 1984 receives:

Also, see my reviews for Wonder Woman and Birds of Prey.