Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set a few years after the events of 2018’s Aquaman. Arthur “Aquaman” Curry (Jason Momoa) now balances his superhero duties with family life, raising a young son with Mera (Amber Heard). Their tranquil existence is disrupted when Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) discovers a magical artifact that grants him formidable powers. Consumed by vengeance, Black Manta seeks to eliminate Aquaman, unleashing a chain of events that threatens the entire planet. Aquaman’s only recourse is to seek an unlikely alliance with his half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), imprisoned for his past treachery. The fate of the world now rests on their ability to stop Black Manta before it’s too late.
In 2013, Man of Steel introduced Henry Cavill as the new Superman. While some debated his portrayal, Cavill proved a worthy successor, despite the enduring legacy of Christopher Reeve. Director Zack Snyder, known for his work on Watchmen, brought his expertise to the superhero genre. However, Man of Steel, while ambitious, suffered from certain narrative shortcomings, making it a divisive entry. Nevertheless, it served as the foundation for DC’s attempt at a shared universe, predating the MCU. Now, eleven years and fifteen films later, that era concludes in a fashion mirroring its beginning: with mixed results.
James Gunn (Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, Guardians of the Galaxy) has been entrusted with revitalizing the DC universe, leading to a soft reboot. While some actors and characters will transition into the new continuity – notably, John Cena as Peacemaker – others, such as Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman, will not. The situation presents a complex landscape, but there is optimism that Gunn can successfully steer DC towards compelling cinematic narratives, particularly as Marvel faces increasing challenges.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marks the conclusion of this era, and I anticipated a grand finale featuring cameos from other established heroes. Given the appearances of Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman in previous films, the potential for a significant event seemed plausible. However, the film largely avoids such broader connections.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom maintains a relatively self-contained narrative, primarily focusing on Aquaman and his immediate allies. The absence of any reference to the whereabouts of other heroes during a global crisis feels somewhat disconnected and gives the impression of an isolated chapter rather than a definitive conclusion.
The film itself is a solid entry and arguably an improvement over its predecessor. Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson deliver engaging performances, their on-screen chemistry elevating the viewing experience. The expanded roles for Dolph Lundgren and Randall Park add further enjoyment. However, the film inherits a key weakness from the first: its reliance on unconvincing CGI. In contrast to James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, where actors immersed themselves in actual aquatic environments, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom relies heavily on greenscreen filming and computer-generated effects, particularly noticeable in the characters’ hair. One scene features Aquaman wearing a conspicuously dry cotton shirt underwater, which detracts from the realism.
The UHD presentation of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom enhances the viewing experience. The 2160p resolution and HDR provide improved clarity and vibrancy, mitigating some of the visual shortcomings of the CGI. A desert battle sequence showcases the format’s strengths, rendering each grain of sand with impressive sharpness. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack delivers impactful bass and immersive surround sound, particularly during the climactic battle sequence.
The disc includes a selection of bonus features, which adds value to the release. While the documentaries are concise, they provide worthwhile insights into the film’s production.
In conclusion, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a worthwhile viewing experience. While it may not serve as a definitive culmination of the broader DC Extended Universe, it functions as an entertaining standalone film. The enhanced UHD presentation further elevates its appeal.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial process, and our reviews remain independent, with a focus on our readership and consumers.
