The King of Atlantis has arrived. Jason Momoa may have just saved the much-maligned DC Comics character that has often been the butt of jokes over the years. Jason brings “justice” to Aquaman but does Aquaman bring justice to the DC Cinematic Universe? Warning, spoilers ahead…
Set after the events of Justice League, the throne of Atlantis is up for grabs between Orm (Patrick Wilson) and his half-brother Arthur Curry (Momoa), who is not of pure blood. Arthur is part human and part Atlantean. His mother, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman) was Queen but left Atlantis to avoid marriage to someone she didn’t love. Without a mother to raise him, Arthur wanted nothing to do with Atlantis or the throne. But when Orm and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) threaten the surface dwellers, Arthur along with Mera (Amber Heard) must rally an army to stop them.
Aquaman is fun if not over the top with its CGI and action sequences. Director Wan known mostly for his work on the Conjuring film series and the Fast and Furious, does have a visual style that breaths life into the DC Universe when compared to the dreary style that Zach Snyder was known for and was highly criticed. From a visual standpoint alone, Aquaman is one of the better DC films but unlike Marvel films, it still lacks that special something.
Don’t get me wrong, Aquaman is a lot of fun to watch and Momoa is charming enough to carry the film. But the main flaw that has plagued most of the DC films in recent years is the lack of awe and wonder and anticipation after the credits roll. Unlike the MCU where the films play on our emotion and further our curiosity through well placed and credit scenes that set forth the future. DC and its parent company Warner Bros still has trouble doing just that.
Directed by: James Wan
Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Dolph Lundgren
PG13 143 min
AQUAMAN – ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
