“Wonder Woman 1984” follows Wonder Woman, or Diana Prince, as she goes undercover as a museum curator. Diana befriends a coworker named Barbara Minerva, who is inspired by Diana’s confidence as she lacks her own. The two are brought together through their investigation of a “magic stone” that grants a wish to anyone who desires. 

The stone grants Diana her wish to bring back her boyfriend Steve Trevor, who had died in the first movie, something that is quite unclear without previous knowledge of the film that started the series. Steve acts as a savior for Diana, bringing her happiness and personal motivation while robbing her of her powers. Steve serves as an unnecessary plot point that distracts from the independence of Wonder Woman’s power. 

One of the few fight scenes occurs when Barbara Minerva, the once shy and overlooked character, develops into a Diana-like figure, although, you guessed it, she turns evil. Wonder Woman and Steve must get the world to renounce their wishes from the magic rock or humanity will disintegrate into chaos. Yet, Diana must also let Steve go, as he was her wish.

Diana’s willingness to give up her powers in order to keep Steve plays the same tired story of a woman ready to give herself up for a man. At least Diana eventually recognizes her integral role in humanity as a superhero and decides not to give up her powers, but having Steve return in the first place focused on the emotions of Wonder Woman rather than her physical abilities. His role in the movie adds to the predictability of the story. 

Overall, the plot is entertaining if not unsurprising, with a long buildup to a climactic end, where, foreseeably, everyone in the whole world renounces their wishes. The audience is left with the message that one cannot have it all without hurting someone they love.

Although Wonder Woman is not portrayed as the strong force that she is, the images of the invisible jet and the continuous use of her magic lasso pay tribute to the character from DC Comics. “Wonder Woman 1984” is an engaging movie, yet the character of Wonder Woman herself is hampered in a way that hinders the whole film. 

Grade: B+