Wonder Woman 1984 Parent Guide
This movie will only amuse viewers who are seeking a film that requires complete escape from reality, thought, or logic.
Parent Movie Review
Since saving humanity in the Great War, Princess Diana, a.k.a. Wonder Woman (Gal Godot) has settled in Washington, D.C., where she works as an anthropologist at the Smithsonian while rescuing people during her off-hours. But the run-of-the-mill crime she’s been vanquishing is about to be overshadowed by something more exotic. A mysterious stone has been found which grants wishes – at a terrible cost. Unaware of the stone’s powers, Diana yearns for the love of her life, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), who died in the first film. As she grapples with the ramifications of her wish, the stone is spirited away by the determined and nefarious wannabe oil baron Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), who has other plans for the stone’s remarkable abilities.
Wonder Woman 1984 truly is a movie imbued with Christmas spirit - in the seasonal fever for giving, this film takes 90 minutes of insipid nonsense and gives the unfortunate audience an additional hour of campy gibberish. Never let it be said that this movie held back! Going above and beyond like this really makes this film an experience of such atrocity and duration that I would sooner feed myself foot-first into a woodchipper than sit through it again.
This show’s all-encompassing failure is genuinely disappointing. Although I’m not a big fan of the superhero genre, 2017’s Wonder Woman was a fun and impressive movie. I thought that director Patty Jenkins had figured out the impossible - how to make a good D.C. movie. I started this film with high expectations, which came crashing down within the first ten minutes. This is more than bad, it’s downright incompetent. The dialogue is atrocious, the action is boring, the green screen work is clumsy, the first twenty minutes are completely unnecessary, and I think I have a low-grade concussion from being clubbed repeatedly over the head with obvious plot points. Moreover, Wonder Woman 1984 shamelessly steals whole themes and scenes from Aladdin, which is a movie that’s worth watching.
Superhero flicks are usually written for teens and adults. This one might please the former but it will only amuse adults who are looking for a film that requires complete escape – from reality, thought, or logic. With its lack of subtlety or nuance and its glaringly obvious storyline, WW84 feels like a kids’ movie, except it’s two and half hours long, which is precious time you will never get back. The movie comes across as Spy Kids playing dress-up as a Wonder Woman movie and will give adults eyestrain from constant eye rolling.
On the plus side, this production’s bloated run time does not contain a lot of troubling content. There is almost no profanity, only brief non-descriptive sexual references, and minimal social drinking. The only parental issue is the kind of over-the-top sanitized violence that typifies the genre. But none of that matters in light of the fact that it’s it’s completely insufferable and not even vaguely worth watching. I wouldn’t even watch this on an airplane. I’d rather talk to the creepy seatmate who’s hogging the armrest.
Directed by Patty Jenkins. Starring Gal Godot, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. Running time: 151 minutes. Theatrical release December 25, 2020. Updated October 2, 2021Watch the trailer for Wonder Woman 1984
Wonder Woman 1984
Rating & Content Info
Why is Wonder Woman 1984 rated PG-13? Wonder Woman 1984 is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of action and violence.
Violence: There are frequent depictions of “superhero” violence, which include individuals being punched, kicked, and thrown incredibly powerfully. An individual is briefly shown bleeding from the eyes and ears. There are several instances of harassment which end violently. There is a brief depiction of domestic violence against women and children.
Sexual Content: There is a brief non-descriptive reference to a sex tape. A couple are seen in bed together but there is no actual sexual activity. A man and woman kiss on several occasions, including in bed.
Profanity: There is one use of scatological profanity and very infrequent use of mild curses and terms of deity.
Alcohol / Drug Use: People are seen holding drinks at a major social event. Main characters drink alcohol in a restaurant.
Page last updated October 2, 2021
Wonder Woman 1984 Parents' Guide
What does Diana give up to bring Steve back? What does it cost both of them? How does she come to terms with this?
What is Max Lord’s motivation? Do you think under different circumstances he might not be a villain? Why or why not?
Home Video
Related home video titles:
This is a sequel to the much better Wonder Woman. Set in the First World War, this movie sees Diana trying to vanquish Ares, the God of War so she can end the slaughter.
For another take on the female superhero genre, you can watch Brie Larsen as the most powerful superhero in the MCU in Captain Marvel.
If you want a funnier, campy take on the superhero genre, Thor: Ragnarok is an excellent choice.
As I mentioned, this movie borrows heavily from Disney’s Aladdin. Warnings about making wishes also abound in Four Kids and It. A frustrated father makes a wish which startlingly comes true in 17 Again.