Comic book movie fans have been starved of some blockbuster superhero action for quite a while, but Wonder Woman 1984 lassos its way into UK theaters this week ahead of its December 25 premiere in the US, and Patty Jenkins' sequel should definitely please devotees of Diana's first solo outing.
Following that World War I-set adventure, we catch up with the Amazon hero in '80s Washington, where she works as an archaeologist while continuing to operate in secret (somewhat unbelievably) as a powerful, unnamed vigilante. When a series of events bring lost love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) back into her life, Diana must weigh up what she wants for herself with what's best for the world she's sworn to protect as two formidable new villains, Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), enter the fray.
Steve Trevor's return has been one of the most talked about aspects of the plot ever since we first learned that Pine was set to reprise the role, and without getting into spoilers, it's almost certainly going to be one of the more divisive parts of the movie. It is a bit lazy - there's no getting around that - but because it also ties into other important story elements, it's easy to see why the manner of the character's resurrection was chosen (it's difficult to discuss this without giving anything away, so apologies for the vagueness!).
You might take issue with how Trevor is brought back, but it's not hard to see why. Pine and Gadot had effortless chemistry in the first movie, and that's on full display here once again. Gadot, in particular, has really come into her own as the iconic DC heroine, and comfortably delivers her strongest take on Wonder Woman yet. The leads are supported by terrific turns from Pascal and Wiig, who take their initially cartoonish antagonists to some surprising places.
The action is also top-notch, and even though the opening shopping mall rescue goes a little overboard with the goofiness, a couple of later moments may even come to rival the No Man's Land walk from the first film. In one final act sequence, John Murphy's stunning "Surface of the Sun" from Danny Boyle's Sunshine is utilized to genuinely hair-raising effect.
Like its predecessor, WW84 lays it on a bit thick at times, and those of you with an aversion to cheese may find yourself rolling your eyes on occasion ("the truth is beautiful" is the new "I believe in love"). The movie clearly has something to say, but one can't help but feel its message would have been better served by a slightly more subtle approach. That said, it's hard to be too cynical about a movie that wears its heart so sincerely on its sleeve. After all, the world could probably use a bit of corniness right about now.
Bigger, brighter, and boasting a more powerful message than the first movie, WW84 is an emotional, uplifting superhero sequel with strong performances and some exciting set pieces. How invested audiences allow themselves to become in the story may hinge on their willingness to buy into some tough to swallow plot points, however.