So we thought after Wonder Woman, the DCEU would be back on the path of greatness. Then Justice League happened and put the DC + WB in an unwelcoming position to superhero moviegoers and the public. This is now the 5th film from DC’s movie universe as it has a lot to combat to succeed. Like having a holiday instead of a summer release, rumors of DC moving away from Batman & Superman films w/ recasting, and other films outside of the universe created.
We saw Aquaman briefly in BvS and actually talking, interacting, & fighting in Justice League. Now he has his own movie to make the character cool again and completely undo the Super Friends vision you have of the character. Monday night, we got a chance to check out a screening of it in NYC. Here is our spoiler-free take on DC’s king of Atlantis
What I Liked:
- Jason Mamoa portrayal of Arthur Curry from the new 52 storylines.
- DC, James Wan & his crew did an amazing job in the creating an underwater world properly. With seeing all of the 7 kingdoms of Atlantis & other creatures.
- Black Manta’s performance & origin
- While villainizing Ocean Master, still maintaining the brotherly aspect.
What I Didn't Care For:
- Some of the dialogue at certain parts were on the cheesy, predictable side.
- Felt like I didn’t see enough of Atlantis.
While there is a mention of Steppenwolf, Aquaman is in its own realm so don’t look for any Justice League cameos to pop in. And speaking of his own realm, Aquaman isn’t the white Black Panther in regards to a comparison between the 2 films. Their origins sound similar on paper but in execution, they veer off to their own thing after a while.
For starters, the trailer didn’t give away the entire movie. There are tons of good scenes left for the actual moviegoers. Now that is out of the way, let’s dive into the film a bit. We see Arthur Curry being the more reluctant hero who is not the biggest fan of Atlantis and its people although aware of his heritage. Events are set in motion that leads to an adventure around the world in which he has to decide if he wants to be the king of a place he’s never been to. In the process, we see most of Atlantis and the different kingdoms down there.
BTW, there's a Octopus playing the drums and its doesn't look silly too.
Jason Mamoa’s take on the Aquaman in this film is a little less bro than Justice League as we get to see a bit layers with him. He did a good job as the lead. The co-lead is Amber Heard who portrayed Princess Mera, does a good job as the character. Not the damsel in distress but more so his partner throughout the film. Patrick Wilson’s Orm aka Ocean Master is a good villain who motives are clear all while looking at Arthur as his brother. Almost a Thor/Loki MCU relationship but w/ Orm being a bit more evil.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the Black manta was a force to be reckoned with and did great as well. I liked him better than Orm actually. William Dafoe is great in everything he does and continues to do so as the Atlantis royal advisor: Vulko. Nicole Kidman as Princess Atlanna is amazing as well. The end result of all of these ingredients lead to an overall fun movie.
Out of the 6 DCEU movies out, Aquaman is the new King.
This felt like a closer execution to a Marvel film. This has a great story w/o any massive plot holes present like on other DC films, great fight choreography, humor, emotion, great soundtrack, and good CGI. Much closer to perfection that DC has yet to do. A few of my colleagues saw it and felt the same way so hopefully, this will all translate to big box office earnings. I’m definitely looking forward to the Aquaman sequel. I hope Shazam, which is next on the DC film slate, can keep the same execution.
Huge thanks to the folks over at WB for hooking us up w/ a screening. If you saw it, let us know what you liked or didn’t like about it. Does this give you more faith in DC movies moving forward? Sound off.
