You seem to have two definitions of formulaic working here. I agree with one and disagree with the other.


This is not what's generally meant by formulaic. To take it to an extreme: "good writing" might be necessary to make the movie successful to the masses, but we would never describe "good writing" as formulaic.


I could agree with this wording. The idea is that the comedy (or whatever) must be inserted in a way that isn't original, or interesting, or compelling, or even that funny. In fact, it must be awkward, because it must somehow show itself in opposition to good writing in order to be labeled formulaic.

Edit: needless to say, I don't think the last definition applies to the comedy in wonder woman.