AQUAMAN

Recap
***Warning: Mild Expository Spoilers Ahead***
A lighthouse keeper named Thomas Curry saved the life of Atlantean princess Atlanna; they later fell in love and conceived Arthur. To protect her son from the unforgiving Atlantean nobility, Atlanna returned to Atlantis where she was sacrificed for her crimes. One year after the events portrayed in Justice League, various crises build to cause Atlanna’s comrades, old and new, to reach out to Arthur for his help in keeping Atlantis from going to war with the surface world.
Review
The trill-ride that is Aquaman is primarily driven by the charismatic, passionate talent that is Jason Momoa. He’s the embodiment of a pure, unbridled, joyful adrenaline-rush and the writers/director knew this, harnessed it, and unleashed it in a stunning cinematic achievement. Every actor performed excellently, the CG rivals or exceeds any recent Star Wars installment, and there’s enough grounded, heartfelt moments to keep the audience invested until the credits roll.
I will say that it isn’t unreasonable for avid comic fans to take issue with the movie stuffing too much of Arthur’s historical elements into one production. I can also understand if Momoa’s portrayal isn’t your ideal for who Arthur is historically, but it is my opinion this facelift for the King of Atlantis is exceptionally done and the movie is a celebration of everything Aquaman. The ponderous plot does meander a bit at times, and some comedic moments are needlessly exaggerated with goofy-derp music to ensure the masses understand that the funny scene is indeed funny, but the film’s pacing is always moving at an appropriate clip that kept me enthralled and happy.
Final Thoughts
Overall I think there is far, FAR more to love than to dislike about the Justice League’s heretofore underrated member, and I hope this new standout dynamo of a superhero franchise will bring greater awareness for climate change, greater comic sales, and MUCH greater DC movies.
AQUAMAN: Release Yourself, Drown With Me, We Will Conquer Land With Water
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Acting - 10/1010/10
- Music - 7/107/10
- Production - 10/1010/10