Aquaman – Jason Momoa Dives Back into the Deep Waters of Superhero Cinema, But Does the Film Stay Afloat?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” directed by James Wan and written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, the oceanic superhero Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, takes center stage once again. This time, he delves deep into the tumultuous waters of the superhero cinematic universe. Alongside a talented ensemble cast featuring Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Nicole Kidman, and Temuera Morrison, the film embarks on a journey filled with high-stakes conflicts, both personal and global. However, amidst the swirling tides of this underwater adventure, the film struggles to maintain a clear narrative and cohesive visual execution.
Aquaman’s Latest Adventure:
The movie opens with Aquaman recounting a daring hostage rescue to his son, Arthur Jr. Afterward, we witness a montage of his life post-first film. As the king of Atlantis and husband to Queen Mera, played by Amber Heard, he juggles royal duties and family life while discovering his son’s unique ability to communicate with aquatic life. Simultaneously, his nemesis, David Hyde, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, also known as Manta, obsessively repairs his manta ray suit, driven by a thirst for vengeance following his father’s death.
Unexpected Highlights:
One of the film’s unexpected highlights is the dynamic between Patrick Wilson’s character and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. Their on-screen interactions, filled with playful banter and apparent camaraderie, surprisingly ignite a romantic chemistry that overshadows Momoa’s scenes with Amber Heard. This unexpected connection provides the film with a genuine rhythm and charm. Another commendable aspect of the film is its attempt to weave a narrative emphasizing unity as the key to salvation. This message aligns with Jason Momoa’s real-life environmental advocacy, adding depth to the storyline.
Tonal Shift and Technical Issues:
In contrast to the first Aquaman film, “The Lost Kingdom” ventures into a more cartoonish territory. This tonal shift becomes quite evident, and the audience in my screening couldn’t help but burst into laughter, particularly during the moments intended to be taken seriously. These comedic undertones are exacerbated by technical issues, particularly the CGI. The most glaring problem is the ill-fitting appearance of Momoa’s Aquaman suit, with his head seemingly unnaturally superimposed onto the costume. These visual inconsistencies are jarring, especially considering the premium prices for 3D screenings.
Aquaman’s Depowered Persona:
Compared to Zack Snyder’s portrayal, this version of Aquaman appears to have lost some of his might. The character frequently finds himself outmatched in battles, as if the film hesitates to showcase his full potential. This portrayal is underwhelming and leaves fans yearning for the more formidable hero seen in previous renditions.
Lack of Narrative Direction:
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” grapples with inconsistent character portrayals, subpar CGI, and a lack of narrative direction. One crucial aspect of any franchise is its ability to make audiences eager for what comes next. Unfortunately, this film falls short in that regard, failing to instill a sense of anticipation for future installments. It leaves viewers wondering why they should still care about this cinematic universe.
In conclusion, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” delivers some memorable moments but struggles to find its footing within the expansive ocean of the superhero genre. With inconsistent character development, technical flaws, and a narrative that lacks direction, the film fails to create the anticipation necessary for a successful franchise continuation.
Title: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Distributor: Warner Bros/DC
Release Date: December 22, 2023
Director: James Wan
Screenwriter: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick
Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours and 4 minutes
