Featuring: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren and Randall Park
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Director: James Wan
In Cinemas: Now
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
At the beginning of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, we get an early indication of what type of film to expect when Aquaman shares a pint of Guinness with his dad as he says Sláinte. The shameless product placement is the least of the film’s worries, as the problems and issues become overwhelming as we get spoilt for choice as to what areas to deconstruct in glee. Let us start with the terrible dialogue, which seems like the screenplay was either written in a hurry or without any interest or care for it. Lines like Im gonna kill me a dead Mermaid’ are the gripping script writing and plot building to anticipate. Superhero movies are generally intended to be nothing more than fun and something that isn’t meant to be considered or taken seriously. But, there is a need for it to be somewhat engaging to be able to connect when, in fact, it comes across as dull and a little bit messy in parts. Too much happens with nonstop action towards the movie’s second part, which isn’t necessarily bad. But, it never seems to take a breather; instead, it becomes confusing and seems not to consider the dynamics of the plot and the importance of an explanation to the audience.
There is explosion after explosion, which are decent-looking, and you can tell they are flaunting the $205 million budget. But it is obvious, and we quickly realise that almost all of the focus is on the action, and the other contributing factors to making a film are merely swept under the carpet. The humour doesn’t seem to land, and there are poor attempts at creating that comedic element when we are subjected to scenes like a baby urinating into Aquaman’s mouth. The music choices are questionable and don’t seem to suit or fit into the film. Confusion ensues when Spirit In The Sky by Norman Greenbaum begins to play. Nicole Kidman is possibly the only positive aspect of this latest DC offering, and it is refreshing and relieving whenever she appears on screen only a handful of times. Amber Heard has had her problems in the past, which has impacted her professional career, as it is evident that many of her parts were cut out of the movie. Not only does it distribute the movie’s flow, but it also becomes distracting. In the concluding scenes, Aquaman and the people of Atlantis address the United Nations about their concerns about the importance of climate change, making you sit up from your chair in sheer wonder that something rational is happening. But it is almost immediately cancelled when Jason Momoa turns to the camera and says, ‘I am Aquaman’ and then dives into the ocean as rock music plays out, possibly the last time we see the marine superhero.
Overall: 3.5/10
Movie Reviewer
