Aquaman (2018)
After the disastrous outcome of Justice League, it seemed like Warner Bros. was truly in deep with their DCEU franchise. Have they learned their lesson in how they planned out this universe? Would their next film, Aquaman, help them get back on their feet? For the most part, the answer is yes. We follow Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) as he fights his half-brother Orm for the throne to Atlantis. With the help of Mera (Amber Heard), he goes on his hero's journey to prove his worth to stop a war between the underworld world and the surface world led by Orm.
Of course, Aquaman has been the butt of jokes due to his initial look, but the comics and later the DCEU would attempt to add some machismo to the character. But even without that aspect, director James Wan has brought so much ambition and epicness to this film. The world of Atlantis is amazing in all its visual glory. Most of it may be CGI, but I like how they had a balance of that and some practical effects such creating a rig for the actors to look like they're swimming underwater, especially using real water in some instances.
Jason Momoa gets to shine in his own movie thanks to a good well-written journey for him. Sure, he drinks and acts all manly, I mean he's so RIPPED, but his life story has a good share of pathos. Also, I never thought I would see him in the classic orange and green suit but they have pulled it off! After watching the movie, I felt he made the character his very own. Plus he had some worthy foes in the form of his half-brother Orm and David Kane a.k.a. Black Manta. Both of them had motives that you get can get behind. I will say one of them gets dropped off in the middle in favor of another, but there seems to be more story promised. So far, they are the most well-rounded antagonists in the DCEU.
Standing alongside Momoa is Mera, his romantic interest. When I first saw Mera in Justice League, I thought her powers were cool but in all of her screentime, she just says exposition for Arthur and us the audience. So I was hoping she would be more fleshed out in this film. And was she? Yes and no. The makers and Amber Heard have mentioned several times that Mera isn't a damsel and a total badass woman. They sounded good but that just made me doubt that she would be an interesting character like how they tried to make Cinderella a stronger and independent character in the live-action Disney remake. When Mera first appears, she brings more exposition to Arthur about how his half brother is going to wage war on the surface world. I know sometimes it's necessary for exposition but could she have more vigor in her performance? It just feels like she's just saying her lines straightforwardly. And while her action scenes are cool, they have it where her eyes glow when she's using them and I thought it looked creepy. I had a feeling she was going to swallow my soul. Another boggling thing is Momoa never got her name until 30 minutes in the movie! But with all that said, I really like this one scene where she and Momoa visit Italy and she is in awe of the sights. I called it her Little Mermaid moment. And to her credit, Amber Heard had some moments in the last third where she was funny and simpatico and not at all stiff or serious. You can have her be a strong, powerful character but give her more interesting attributes. One of the reasons why I love Diana/Wonder Woman is not only what a fierce fighter she is but also how she can turn into a sweet cinnamon roll when she sees a baby. If a sequel does happen, I hope Mera could be more well-rounded.
Overall, in several ways, Aquaman was a step in the right direction for DC. It had a strong lead, noteworthy antagonists, some good supporting characters, and spectacular visuals. I thought it had a couple of clunky aspects with its female lead and length, but it pays off with the abovementioned elements, especially having perhaps the best climax in a DCEU movie. While it's not DC's A material, I wouldn't mind revisiting it. I bet it would grow on me much like how I wasn't entirely thrilled with Wonder Woman initially, but I liked it better the second time. So in the end, we have not one but two heroes who carried their own movies very well. Word of advice, WB, stick to solo movies.
RATING: MODEST APPROVAL (B+)
Jason Momoa gets to shine in his own movie thanks to a good well-written journey for him. Sure, he drinks and acts all manly, I mean he's so RIPPED, but his life story has a good share of pathos. Also, I never thought I would see him in the classic orange and green suit but they have pulled it off! After watching the movie, I felt he made the character his very own. Plus he had some worthy foes in the form of his half-brother Orm and David Kane a.k.a. Black Manta. Both of them had motives that you get can get behind. I will say one of them gets dropped off in the middle in favor of another, but there seems to be more story promised. So far, they are the most well-rounded antagonists in the DCEU.
Standing alongside Momoa is Mera, his romantic interest. When I first saw Mera in Justice League, I thought her powers were cool but in all of her screentime, she just says exposition for Arthur and us the audience. So I was hoping she would be more fleshed out in this film. And was she? Yes and no. The makers and Amber Heard have mentioned several times that Mera isn't a damsel and a total badass woman. They sounded good but that just made me doubt that she would be an interesting character like how they tried to make Cinderella a stronger and independent character in the live-action Disney remake. When Mera first appears, she brings more exposition to Arthur about how his half brother is going to wage war on the surface world. I know sometimes it's necessary for exposition but could she have more vigor in her performance? It just feels like she's just saying her lines straightforwardly. And while her action scenes are cool, they have it where her eyes glow when she's using them and I thought it looked creepy. I had a feeling she was going to swallow my soul. Another boggling thing is Momoa never got her name until 30 minutes in the movie! But with all that said, I really like this one scene where she and Momoa visit Italy and she is in awe of the sights. I called it her Little Mermaid moment. And to her credit, Amber Heard had some moments in the last third where she was funny and simpatico and not at all stiff or serious. You can have her be a strong, powerful character but give her more interesting attributes. One of the reasons why I love Diana/Wonder Woman is not only what a fierce fighter she is but also how she can turn into a sweet cinnamon roll when she sees a baby. If a sequel does happen, I hope Mera could be more well-rounded.
Overall, in several ways, Aquaman was a step in the right direction for DC. It had a strong lead, noteworthy antagonists, some good supporting characters, and spectacular visuals. I thought it had a couple of clunky aspects with its female lead and length, but it pays off with the abovementioned elements, especially having perhaps the best climax in a DCEU movie. While it's not DC's A material, I wouldn't mind revisiting it. I bet it would grow on me much like how I wasn't entirely thrilled with Wonder Woman initially, but I liked it better the second time. So in the end, we have not one but two heroes who carried their own movies very well. Word of advice, WB, stick to solo movies.
RATING: MODEST APPROVAL (B+)
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