I am a big comic book nerd and I make it no secret that I tend to prefer DC over Marvel. Both DC and Marvel have had great movies adapted from their pages and also some near dumpster fires. Going into “Aquaman”, I knew there probably wasn’t going to be a middle ground with this film. I just had to hope for the best.
Luckily, the film turned out to be a fun popcorn flick. “Aquaman” is basically an adaptation of Geoff John’s “New 52” origin story. The story focuses on Arthur Curry having to accept his lineage and fight for the crown of Atlantis in order to save everyone from an all out war. It’s a simple story with elements of adventure and action thrown in. I would say that out of all the DC movies, this movie feels more like a Marvel Studios movie. It serves to be a crowd pleaser even if it means abandoning weightier issues that have had mixed success for Warner Bros. (“The Dark Knight” has themes that connected with audiences while “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” missed the mark with most movie goers). Making a softer in tone and safer picture was probably the best move for Warner Bros. after how badly they handled “Justice League”.
“Aquaman” is a visual fest for the eyes and feels part “Raiders of the Lost Ark” meets “Avatar”. James Wan does an amazing job of delivering an overall fun crowd pleaser. Wan does initiative things with his action set pieces and scene transitions.
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard serve their roles but don’t exactly elevate the movie as a whole. Momoa’s strength as an actor actually seems to be his sense of humor and comedic timing which isn’t showcased a lot (due to it being an action film). Momoa and Heard don’t share much chemistry together in my opinion. The pair seem to be cast mainly for their looks. All that being said, I think Momoa has a lot of promise and will be more comfortable in the role by the time he reprises it next. Patrick Wilson ended up being the true stand out of the movie performance wise. Patrick Wilson chews up his scenes while still being reserved enough not to go over the top. He makes for an interesting villain and one I would like to see more of.
Luckily, the film turned out to be a fun popcorn flick. “Aquaman” is basically an adaptation of Geoff John’s “New 52” origin story. The story focuses on Arthur Curry having to accept his lineage and fight for the crown of Atlantis in order to save everyone from an all out war. It’s a simple story with elements of adventure and action thrown in. I would say that out of all the DC movies, this movie feels more like a Marvel Studios movie. It serves to be a crowd pleaser even if it means abandoning weightier issues that have had mixed success for Warner Bros. (“The Dark Knight” has themes that connected with audiences while “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” missed the mark with most movie goers). Making a softer in tone and safer picture was probably the best move for Warner Bros. after how badly they handled “Justice League”.
“Aquaman” is a visual fest for the eyes and feels part “Raiders of the Lost Ark” meets “Avatar”. James Wan does an amazing job of delivering an overall fun crowd pleaser. Wan does initiative things with his action set pieces and scene transitions.
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard serve their roles but don’t exactly elevate the movie as a whole. Momoa’s strength as an actor actually seems to be his sense of humor and comedic timing which isn’t showcased a lot (due to it being an action film). Momoa and Heard don’t share much chemistry together in my opinion. The pair seem to be cast mainly for their looks. All that being said, I think Momoa has a lot of promise and will be more comfortable in the role by the time he reprises it next. Patrick Wilson ended up being the true stand out of the movie performance wise. Patrick Wilson chews up his scenes while still being reserved enough not to go over the top. He makes for an interesting villain and one I would like to see more of.
One major complaint I had about the movie is the music. Music can elevate a movie to near epic proportions (case in point: Star Wars). The music in “Aquaman” is just a pain in the ears at times. Guitar riffs are not needed everytime Jason Momoa looks into the camera. We get it, Momoa is a bad ass (case in point: he has tattoos and facial hair).
The movie is about the spectacle and amazing visuals. In that respect, it doesn’t disappoint. “Aquaman” is a fun summer movie that comes to us during the cold winter months. I am excited to see where future adventures lead the hero.
Grade: B+
The movie is about the spectacle and amazing visuals. In that respect, it doesn’t disappoint. “Aquaman” is a fun summer movie that comes to us during the cold winter months. I am excited to see where future adventures lead the hero.
Grade: B+
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