The film franchise that fans have called the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has been faltering ever since it was kicked off. However, director James Wan has gotten it back on track with Aquaman.
One year after Justice League, Arthur Curry (Jason Mamoa) is visited by Atlantean Princess Mera (Amber Heard) and Vizier Nuidis Vulko (Willem Dafoe). They beg him to come back to Atlantis and claim his throne from his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) who seeks to unite the seven Atlantis kingdoms and become the Ocean Master. After taking control, he plans on declaring war on the ‘surface world.’ After a failed attempt at reclaiming the throne by combat, Arthur and Mera set out to a magical trident that can only be wielded by the true King of Atlantis.
Orm sends human mercenary Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who has a personal grudge against Aquaman, to find and kill both of them before they can recover the trident.
This movie is an intense action flick that is done with James Wan’s typical pulse-pounding style. He took one of DC Comics’ most understated superheroes, one that many thought was unfilmable, and turned it into an interesting story.
Now the film has its flaws. It tries to juggle a present-day story and an origin (mostly told through flashbacks), making the plot feel unnecessarily elongated. Also, some of the CGI is obvious. I will say, the underwater scenes looked realistic with how the bodies move, down to the hair.
That being said, Mamoa and Heard are the heart of the story. Their roles as Aquaman and Princess Mera really shine, along with Nicole Kidman playing Queen Atlanna. The rest of the cast add to the story. The producers and casting director did an excellent of finding actors who fit their roles.
For those who are hardcore JL fans, you might be disappointed in some of the deviations from the comic book. However, Wan produced one of the first films where the characters had comic accurate costumes. Mera, Orm, Black Manta, and even Aquaman’s costume matched in almost every way. No other director has the excuse ‘the costume won’t look realistic on the silver screen.’
Bottom line, I did find Aquaman to be a good, fun film that is about a man torn between two worlds, but he is the only who can unite them.
One final note, Wan shut down rumors that he had been approached to do a Batman film, but he did say that would if Warner Bros. approached him. Sounds like we need to start a petition.
FAVORITE QUOTE: You think you’re unworthy to lead because you’re of two different worlds? But that is exactly why you ARE worthy!
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Foul language
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below and tell me if there is something you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my reviews of Ant-Man And The Wasp, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, and Avengers: Infinity War. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
By the way, did you miss my book announcement? Check it out.
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