Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | Review

Review of the film 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom': Commendable acting and breathtaking visuals.

Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park
Director: James Wan

"What is the story?"

In the film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the character Black Manta, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, returns with a vengeance. During a research expedition, Black Manta discovers a powerful artifact known as the Black Trident. With this newfound weapon, he intends to summon an ancient malevolent force that will bring ruin to Atlantis and its inhabitants, the Atlantean people. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Arthur, who is now the King of Atlantis, understands that to protect his kingdom and the Earth, he must seek assistance from a former adversary.

In 2018, 'The Little Mermaid' captivated the attention of children and girls, while 'Aquaman' emerged as a source of excitement for boys and men within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This film, centered around an aquatic superhero's quest to protect his community from annihilation, garnered significant interest due to its charismatic lead, Jason Momoa. Now, five years later, the sequel 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' arrives, seemingly capitalizing on the popularity of the superhero genre and serving as a reminder that amidst the realm of airborne heroes, there exists one who dwells beneath the ocean's surface. 

Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman and portrayed by Jason Momoa, ascends to the throne as the rightful King of Atlantis. He is happily married to Mera, played by Amber Heard, and the couple has a son. In this film, Aquaman joins forces with his half-brother Orm, portrayed by Patrick Wilson, to track down David Kane, also known as Black Manta and played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Together, the brothers collaborate to prevent David from harming Aquaman's family. David's motivations stem from a desire for revenge and the necessity to acquire certain elements from Atlantis to repair his suit.

In contrast to its predecessor, the second installment of 'Aquaman' can be seen as somewhat gimmicky and lacking the ambition to propel the franchise forward. Although Jason Momoa's performance appears lackluster for the majority of the film, it is Patrick Wilson, his sidekick, who truly stands out in numerous scenes. For those seeking an enjoyable time at the cinema, with its thrilling action sequences and Momoa's subtly humorous moments, the movie does provide entertainment value for the price of admission.

Review

In addition to the significant influences in the narrative, the movie also faces a lack of original dialogue. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom carries a weighty burden of responsibilities. Not only does it have to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, Aquaman, released in 2018, but it also needs to satisfy the devoted fans of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), as it is the final installment in the lineup. The path to the theaters has been fraught with obstacles, including changes in DC leadership, reshoots, controversies surrounding the lead cast, and, of course, the impact of the pandemic. Despite these numerous challenges, the film manages to deliver, as emphasized by the director in promotional interviews, ultimately showcasing the distinct style of James Wan.

It should be noted that when I express this, I am not comparing the film to the director's exceptional works such as Saw, Conjuring films, or even Malignant. To draw such a comparison would be unjust, as Aquaman 2 would pale in comparison to the uniqueness of these films. However, despite its flaws in terms of predictability, the seamless combination of humor, drama, and action is what keeps the final installment of the DCEU afloat. 

Although the source material for all DC universe films primarily stems from comics, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom heavily evokes The Lord of the Rings. Kordax and his army bear a striking resemblance to Sauron and his orcs, while the black trident possessed by Black Manta can be seen as an equivalent to the precious ring. The trident and the ring share more similarities than initially meets the eye, as both items bring out the darkness within their bearers and ignite an intense possessiveness over the newly acquired artifact.

In addition to the strong influences evident in the story, the film's lack of original dialogue is a notable drawback. While some exchanges are amusing, it doesn't take long for us to recall similar dialogues from classic films. However, the exceptional performances by Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II manage to salvage the impact of the overly familiar writing. Their portrayal of the complex love-hate relationship between the half-brothers is what truly captivates viewers and makes Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom a compelling viewing experience. Another aspect that caught my attention was David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick's intriguing attempt to incorporate elements of horror into this superhero adventure. James Wan, on the other hand, excels in his forte, delivering a visually stunning spectacle that seamlessly blends mythical and terrifying elements, creating a truly delightful feast for the eyes.

The film, although it falls short of meeting the high expectations set by its predecessor, manages to deliver plenty of excitement and serves as a relatively enjoyable conclusion to the current phase of the DCEU. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, despite encountering challenges, stands out as one of the superior live-action superhero movies in recent memory. It says goodbye to the troubled DCEU with its breathtaking visuals and thrilling action-packed journey, instilling optimism for the upcoming lineup of films in the new DC Universe, under the guidance of James Gunn.

In conclusion, 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom' receives praise for its invested performances and visually striking elements. The cast's dedication to their roles brings the characters to life, while the stunning visuals transport the audience into a captivating underwater realm. This combination of strong performances and visual prowess makes the film a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre and those seeking an immersive cinematic experience.