DC Extended Universe is the counterpart to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exemplified by films like Avengers: Infinity War. However, Marvel’s successes are frequent, while DC’s successful entries are comparatively rare. The critically panned Justice League, released previously, had some redeeming qualities, notably Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman.
Arthur (Jason Momoa) possesses a unique lineage. His mother, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), is the Queen of Atlantis, and his father, Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison), is a human lighthouse keeper. Arthur has spent his life on land, yet received training from Vulko (Willem Dafoe), dispatched from Atlantis to instruct him in Atlantean martial arts. Atlanna was compelled to return to Atlantis and marry King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren). They have a son, King Orm (Patrick Wilson). King Orm is a cunning adversary who seeks to initiate a war against the surface world. The only obstacle in his path is his half-brother, Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman.
Had Warner Bros. adopted a more strategic approach, releasing Aquaman before the poorly received Justice League would have been advantageous. Arthur “Aquaman” Curry’s brief appearance in Atlantis during Justice League creates a narrative inconsistency. The origin story, which presents his return home as a first-time event, is undermined by his prior visit.
Director James Wan faced the challenge of establishing his vision within the framework established by Zack Snyder. He largely succeeds, shifting away from the contrived darkness often associated with DC films, opting for a more lighthearted tone. However, this levity occasionally becomes excessive.
A significant issue with Aquaman lies in its reliance on computer-generated imagery. The underwater scenes often appear digitally rendered and lack realism, diverting attention from the dialogue. The excessive use of CGI, particularly on hair and bodies, results in a lack of detail and facial distortion due to water effects. While the underwater battles are visually impressive, the absence of tangible elements diminishes their impact.
In contrast, the above-water battles are more visually appealing. The action sequence set in Italy stands out as a highlight. Generally, the scenes occurring above the water’s surface are well-executed, which is somewhat ironic for a film centered on an aquatic superhero. Despite this, the over-reliance on digital effects persists, even in settings where practical elements could have been utilized.
Jason Momoa‘s performance is the film’s saving grace. His charisma elevates the material, and without him, the film would be significantly less engaging. Amber Heard, as the love interest, delivers a somewhat unremarkable performance, portraying a character with limited depth. Temuera Robinson, the veteran New Zealand actor, portrays the father, Tom Curry, and his early scenes with Nicole Kidman, who plays Atlanna, are compelling, characterized by warmth and humor. Despite some noticeable digital de-aging, their performances are believable. Patrick Wilson portrays the villain, Orm. He is motivated by a complex rooted in his mother’s affection for Arthur. Manta, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, serves as the secondary antagonist. Manta is a more compelling villain, although his conclusion feels somewhat rushed. Viewers should be sure to check the end credits for information on possible future Aquaman installments. However, Warner Bros. has largely restructured its DC Extended Universe, with Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck stepping down from their roles as Superman and Batman, respectively.
Overall, Aquaman is an entertaining popcorn movie and ranks among the better films in the DCEU, alongside Wonder Woman. However, the DCEU’s overall quality is such that its best films barely surpass the lower tier of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At 2 hours and 23 minutes, Aquaman is also excessively long. Warner Bros. possesses the rights to iconic characters but consistently underdelivers. A strategic reassessment is crucial, as opportunities for course correction are diminishing.
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