Aquaman (2018)
There’s no reason for Aquaman to last longer than Justice League did. The chemistry between the leads isn’t quite there. It isn’t culturally important like Black Panther (whose plot it is similar to at multiple points). For all its faults, it gets critical moments right and when it shines, it's brightly, in an appropriately epic, exciting adventure.
Half-Atlantean Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) cares nothing from the underwater kingdom who executed his mother, Princess Atlantan (Nicole Kidman). When his half-brother, King Orm (Patrick Wilson) begins amassing an army, “The Aquaman” is convinced by Mera (Amber Heard) to help prevent the incoming conflict by finding the lost trident of King Atlan and challenging his brother for the throne.
We follow Arthur as he learns to accept his role as a bridge between worlds. Mera, who briefly introduced in Justice League gets a lot more screentime. We get not one but two villains and are introduced to Earth’s underwater kingdoms as well. The oceans are ruled by multiple tribes, all with different customs and appearances. Whether it’s the human-looking Atlanteans, who are themselves divided into castes, mermaid-like people, crustacean forces of the Brine Kingdom or monstrous Trench creatures there’s a lot to soak in even before the actual mythology of King Atlan and his trident. This is an ambitious film and not only for making a character who’s been perpetually associated with silliness ever since the 70's Super Friends Cartoon into a badass. It’s big and colorful and exciting but also contains a bit too much. In the end, was Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) really necessary? I ask because Aquaman's arch-rival feels like a bigger character than we're shown.
What this story needed was another run through the editing room to tighten it up. This would've done wonders for the film and made the whole thing on par with the epic climax, so good it elevates the picture by itself. With Atlanteans being shown as these xenophobic grudge-holders who rule these gorgeous, hidden cities, and the many bits of lore which enrich their world, it recalls The Lord of The Rings and stories of Camelot, - appropriate considering the quasi sword-in-the-stone quest Arthur is on. Where most superhero films feel like they're going through the motions during the final act (even the best are guilty of this), Aquaman cranks things into overdrive, leaving you on a high note.
It's a gorgeous adventure with top-notch art direction, impressive 3D effects, and exciting action scenes. The characters - which could've used more time to breathe but are brought to life by charismatic and fully-committed actors - explore all sorts of exotic worlds, recalling both James Bond films and embark on a tale as epic as the Knights of the Round Table. Most importantly, Aquaman is a lot of fun. (3D Theatrical version on the big screen, February 25, 2019)
