By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Aquaman is not the first DC Comics superhero that comes out of fans’ mouths. In fact, the King of Seven Seas might not have even mentioned at all….at least until this year. Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films along with The Safran Company, Cruel and Usual Films, and Mad Ghost Productions released Aquaman’s first solo adventure.
While the Justice League member (Jason Momoa) made his first appearance in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and the 2017 team-up film, this was the first time fans got to see the King of the Seven Seas in a solo spotlight.
Warning! Spoilers are ahead!
Aquaman follows the journey of the Justice League member after he saved the world from the Parademons. However, Mera (Amber Heard) is forced to intervene in Aquaman’s life after his half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), plots to destroy the surface world. After suffering a massive defeat at his brother’s hands, Aquaman must find the Trident of Atlan to restore order to the oceans. However, Orm hires Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) to murder his brother.
End of Spoilers
Aquaman helps put the DC Extended Universe back on track and showed that Momoa could be one of the film franchise’s guiding lights. In addition, there were strong performances from Heard, Wilson, and Nicole Kidman, who portrayed Aquaman’s mother. I could also see Wilson’s Ocean Master be a recurring character to the DC Extended Universe because he could be a great villain for other heroes like the Justice League and Swamp Thing.
Comic book fans would be pleased to see that Geoff Johns, who revitalized the character for DC Comics, assisted James Wan and Will Beall with bringing this story to the silver screen. There were some of Johns’ comic book material such as the terrifying Trench that was incorporated into the film with such ease.
Some critics such as Entertainment Weekly’s Chris Nashawaty thought that the CGI was “crummy,” and the costumes were “cheesy.” However, I strongly disagree. I thought that the entire Aquaman cinematography crew did an impressive job with the CGI. In addition, I thought that the film’s costume department brilliant transformed Ivan Reis and Alex Ross’ artwork into the superb wardrobe that the actors wore.
Final thoughts and grade: Aquaman is a good superhero movie and should boost audience’s interests in seeing other DC heroes not named Superman or Batman. While there are a few flaws, this film will allow other superheroes such as Shazam, Cyborg, the Flash, and the Green Lantern Corps a chance to invite moviegoers into their respective worlds. B
