Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom was one of the most anticipated comic book movies of the year. Fans were eagerly waiting to see what adventures the aquatic hero would take on next. However, upon its release, the film has been met with a mixed response from audiences and critics alike.
The plot of the movie had a lot of potential, with Black Manta returning as the main villain wielding the power of the Black Trident, and Aquaman having to team up with his brother Orm to save their kingdom and the world from destruction. However, the execution falls short in many aspects.
One of the biggest issues with the movie is the weak chemistry between the lead actors, Jason Momoa and Amber Heard. Their relationship lacks depth and feels forced, robbing the audience of any emotional connection with the characters.
Director James Wan‘s attempt at adding comedic relief in the movie also falls flat. The film’s screenplay doesn’t play to Momoa’s strengths, and the jokes come off as stale and out of place. The film’s attempts to be funny only highlight its flaws and take away from the overall narrative.
Possibly one of the biggest problems with the movie is its over-reliance on CGI. The movie feels like it was constructed entirely in post-production and the visuals, while impressive, can get overwhelming and become a distraction.
Despite the movie’s flaws, Momoa gives his all to the character and breathes life into Aquaman, carrying the film even when it stumbles. Any action scene with Momoa feels epic, and his portrayal of the hero is one of the movie’s greatest strengths.
While Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom had the potential to be an excellent addition to the Aquaman franchise, it falls short in many aspects. The weak chemistry between the leads, the comedy that doesn’t always hit the mark, and the over-reliance on CGI are significant elements detracting from the movie’s overall success. However, Jason Momoa‘s portrayal of Aquaman is something to appreciate.
The film is directed by James Wan from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, based on a story conceived by Wan, Johnson-McGoldrick, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, and Momoa. It stars Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman alongside Patrick Wilson, Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hit theaters on December 20, 2023 and is now playing.
