Aquaman Review

"You think you're unworthy to lead because you're of two different worlds? But that is exactly why you are worthy"


Were back and welcome to another exciting year of film.

Aquaman is the latest entry into the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) and was directed by James Wan. The film stars the likes of Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, William Defoe, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Temuera Morrison. The film follows Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) as he learns that he is heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and must step forward to lead his people and be a hero to the world.

The DCEU has certainly seen its up and downs over the years with the likes of Batman Vs Superman and Justice League disappointing fans and critics (and certainly me) and films likes Wonder Woman showing potential of what the DCEU could actually be. Will Aquaman be a success and impress the fans like Wonder Woman or will it disappoint like Justice League?

Well I can certainly say I was impressed with the film. There are some solid performances by the likes of Jason Momoa (who seems to be having great fun playing the role of Arthur Curry/Aquaman) and Patrick Wilson or plays King Orm, who has some certainly solid reasons for wanting to go to war with the surface world. Credit is also due to the beautiful visuals of the film, the film is visually stunning with the underwater kingdom of Atlantis looking breathtaking and that is down to James Wans eye for detail and creative talent. There are also some great action sequences throughout the film and whilst some action sequences seem to be just put into the film for the sack of having an action sequence (we will get onto that later) but for the most part there are some truly stunning action sequences especially including the ring of the fire challenge between Arthur and King Orm and the completely bonkers third act final showdown containing literally ever sea creature you can think of, and of course not forgetting an exciting showdown between Arthur, Mera (Amber Heard) and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) with some great transitions cutting between two different fights simultaneous in one single shot at times.

Whilst the film is certainly an improvement over recent DC films there are of course some nitpicks. Firstly there are of course some solid moments during the film, but at times these solid moments are let down by cheesy one liners or short scenes were the humour falls flat resulting in fairly awkward and uncomfortable moments that ruin previously impressive and solid moments during the film. There are also some unnecessary action sequences during the film, the film has some really impressive moments of character development and some great story telling moments driving the plot forward, but during those moments there is often a random action sequence put in there just for the sake of having a cool action sequence, sure those scenes are exciting but it just feels rather unnecessary. I much would of preferred less action sequences but taking the time to make those moments truly special especially like the final confrontation between Arthur and King Orm.

Overall Aquaman is a solid film and is definitely up there with the best of the DCEU and gives me hope the future of the shared universe of films to come over the years, if you are a fan of the DCEU or DC comics then you will certainly be impressed with this film.

Verdict 4 out 5 stars