WONDER WOMAN 1984

By -

WW84 movie poster
Alive and well in 1984, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) works at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. and in her spare time saves lives and fights crime as Wonder Woman. Foiling a robbery at a mall shop, she is responsible for stolen artifacts being recovered. One of the ancient pieces, a wishing stone, ends up at the Institute. Diana and mousy new co-worker Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) unknowingly have their deepest desires granted while researching the relic. Driven businessman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) wants the stone for his own endgame. Against all odds, the formidable female warrior must battle new enemies with the fate of the world at stake.

In grand fashion, Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins recapture some of the magic of their 2017 cinematic epic. This time around, Jenkins also handles writing chores with help from Geoff Johns and Dave Callaham. The story may not be unique, but there is much fun from beginning to end and a moral. A flashback to young Diana, again played by Lilly Aspell, participating in warrior games opens the film. Connie Nielsen returns here as Hippolyta, queen of Themyscira and Diana's mother. Also back for the opener is Robin Wright as her aunt, Antiope - general of the Amazon army. Things get a bit crazy when 1984 enters the picture. Chris Pine reappears as Steve Trevor, the intrepid pilot and Diana's true love from the first movie. To reveal how this happens would be a spoiler. The villains are not as strong as some memorable baddies. Yet they're still interesting. The force is with Pedro Pascal ("The Mandalorian"), chewing up the scenery as the slightly crazed Lord. Kristen Wiig plays Barbara first as that wimpy SNL character she perfected and then believably transforms into the ferocious Cheetah. The performances are good, but once again it's all about action and effects. Several sequences go on way too long (seemingly necessary to reach an epic film's epic length - just over two and a half hours). Knockout set pieces, including a 1980s - style mall, and a stirring score by composer Hans Zimmer add to the pleasure. Definitely made for the biggest screen possible, this fantasy is enjoyable in any format. And yes, there is a scene during the end credits. "WW84" lassos another thrilling adventure. (3.5/5 CAMS)

Rated PG-13 (for sequences of action and violence)
Running Time: 152 minutes

In theaters and streaming on HBO Max December 25, 2020.

Popular posts from this blog

THE MARKSMAN (2021)

By -
Image
Trying to save his Arizona ranch, the last thing loner and ex-Marine Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) needs is more trouble. When he encounters migrants Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her 11-year-old son Miguel (Jacob Perez) running from drug cartel assassins, more trouble comes his way. Promising Rosa he will get Miguel to relatives in Chicago, the hardened Hanson and the young fugitive reluctantly take a dangerous road trip. An unlikely friendship develops as the killers, led by relentless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba), get closer. With Liam Neeson the main attraction, a full-blown action thriller is expected. But this latest attempt at making a modern western is surprisingly short on action and thrills. Director Robert Lorenz, who helmed the Clint Eastwood baseball drama "Trouble with the Curve", spends most of this film's length on drama and emotion. Mr. Neeson is up to the task, but this is not what the fans look forward to with a title like "The Marksman". The screenplay by
Read more

THE RHYTHM SECTION

By -
Image
When depressed, drug-addicted prostitute Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) learns the plane crash that killed her family wasn't an accident, she sets out to avenge their deaths. With the help of a former British MI6 agent (Jude Law), Stephanie trains to become an assassin. Under various disguises, she takes on missions that will lead to vengeance. A strong performance by Blake Lively and sudden bursts of action can't save this mostly lackluster thriller. Based on the popular book by Mark Burnell, who also wrote the screenplay, director Reed Morano ("Meadowland") relies heavily on
Read more

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

By -
Image
Widowed Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with daughter Sally (Uma Thurman) and son-in-law Arthur (Rob Riggle). While granddaughters Jennifer (Poppy Gagnon) and Mia (Laura Marano) are delighted, grandson Peter (Oakes Fegley) must give up his bedroom to grandpa. Relegated to the creepy attic for living quarters, he wants his room back. With neither side willing to budge, the battle for the bedroom begins. Humor, sight gags and Robert De Niro keep this family comedy moving along. Based on Robert Kimmel Smith's novel of the same name, the screenplay by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember dives quickly into "Home Alone" territory. The pranks come fast and furious, with many being malicious. Director Tim Hill ("Hop") does manage to lighten things up around the mayhem while delivering a heartfelt message about relationships. As usual, Robert De Niro is the main attraction. But Oakes Fegley (2016's "Pete's Dragon") is an impressive match for the iconic star. Their
Read more