Aquaman Review

So I decided to watch Aquaman with my parents, the first time in 2-3 years since we’ve watched a movie together (long story, but it’s mostly them being busy and me studying overseas). Guess what, it’s an awesome film for Christmas.

 

Aquaman is set one year after Justice League, but it barely makes references to the wider DCEU, making it its own standalone movie, which means you don’t have to watch previous movies to know too much of the character. Basically if you know a lot about the New 52 story, then this movie is for you as well. Storyline is simple, from his struggle to outsider and half human, half Atlantean heritage to becoming king (slightly spoiled).

 

But it’s James Wan’s vision that makes this movie so good, he brings a fresh worldbuilding narrative that stands out as one of the good DCEU movies, possibly one of the biggest set in such a big environment in the sea. If I had to say something about the cast, it’s superb. Jason Momoa steals the role for the third time after BvS and JL, and nails it absolutely as Aquman. Amber Heard as Mera is also one of my favourite characters, she’s totally kickass and has good chemistry shared with Momoa, and the movie shows her abilities well.

 

For the supporting cast and villains, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman) is also badass as well, she’s not your average queen. There’s also Willem Dafoe as a strong ally, Vulko, who you might recognise as the Green Goblin in 2002’s Spider Man and this time he plays a good guy as well. Yahya’s Black Manta was totally a scene stealer, from the accurate armour/costume like the rest of the characters, he’s pretty brutal when he looks for revenge. I’d also like to say Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master does share a bit of similarity to brother related villains in superhero movies, but he’s a cool villain and is enjoyable with his performance.

Tom Curry and Nereus are also interesting characters despite limited screentime. The Trench appear as CGI monsters and partially practical as well, and frankly they’re horrifying, exactly like the comic run.

 

Pros: The acting, characters, visuals, tone, choreography, worldbuilding, humour, action, and lore are all done so well, I guess this is really the DCEU’s new direction headed towards better movies. It has lots of heart and dedication that makes it a good film. Costumes, weapons, superpowers and are really accurate.

 

Cons: Running time is a bit too long, at a few points it gets boring but then you’ll forget it. There’s a few scenes of bad green screen, but out of such a big film, it’s a “see it then you’ll forget it” situation, sorta.

 

Bonus: There’s a drum playing octopus, a pop version of Toto’s Africa, the awesome soundtrack, underwater talking with air bubbles, an actual big fish talking with a special appearance from Mary Poppins aka Julie Andrews, Aquaman’s aquatic and fish abilities, the post credits tease.

 

Overall, I’ll give this a 9.5/10, the second movie ranked in my rating below Wonder Woman (my first and top). Its success has potential to lead into more good movies, because I love the direction they’re headed towards now. This movie is a definite watch and recommendation, and totally one of the best superhero movie of 2018.

Done