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Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines proves even a so-so Rogues' Gallery can make for interesting characters with good storytelling. While this particular installment in the DC Animated Movie Universe suffers from budgetary restrictions (a growing concern), it’s a step above the 2009 film.

After rescuing Steve Trevor (Jeffrey Donovan) from the waters surrounding Themyscira, Princess Diana (Rosario Dawson) defies her mother and travels to “man’s world” with the Amazon’s divine weapons to protect humanity. While learning the customs of her new home with the help of Dr. Julia Kapatelis (Nia Vardalos), Diana befriends her teenage daughter, Vanessa (Marie Avgeropoulos). Five years later, Vanessa has grown to resent “Wonder Woman” and is transformed into the Silver Swan to aid Doctor Poison (Courtenay Taylor), Giganta (Kimberly Brooks), Cheetah (also Brooks), and Doctor Cyber (Mozhan Marnò) in a plot to attack the Amazon’s home.

Aside from Ares (who’s appeared in many films and television series already) and Dr. Psycho, all of Wonder Woman’s best-known enemies are present. Even relatively recent additions like Veronica Cale (voiced by Constance Zimmer) are incorporated. The most enjoyable aspect of the film is the ways it to incorporate so much into a 79-minute movie. You might scoff at the purple healing ray but it’s eloquently integrated into the plot, as is the invisible jet. This film is a sequel to Justice League War (though some of it takes place before) but it stands on its own and serves as a solid introduction to those who might not know Wonder Woman already.

So many villains mean we have many action scenes, all of which are different. The screenplay by Mairghread Scott manages to make Silver Swan pretty cool (non-threatening name aside). Her relationship with Diana showcases what makes this superhero so unique and beloved. Diana’s hopeful and forgiving - almost to a fault.

There’s plenty to enjoy and the twists/reveals give Bloodlines pretty good re-watch value. This makes the flaws that much more disappointing. The animation has gone far down since 2008's Batman: Gotham Knight, with the artists often struggling to keep Diana’s face on-model. Locations often feel empty, or conveniently framed to hide what would be expensive to show. Sometimes, there are straight-up errors, like Cheetah pulling a weapon from nowhere. Cool as it is, the climax struggles to keep power levels in check. Finally, there is the slight problem of Greek myths being reinterpreted in ways that raise questions. The Minotaur, for example. Part of the story is that the monster was killed… so if the creature shows up, what’s going on?

Despite the blemishes, this is an exciting adventure that showcases what makes Wonder Woman a favorite. The villains are cool, the dynamic between Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman is well executed. Key plot points are subtly hinted at, meaning you get the kind of surprises that make you go “I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming!” There’s one more reason to catch this film. On home video, there’s a great package of special features that include a short film Death, based on the character by Neil Gaiman. The movie's good, the short's even better. (August 27, 2020)