Aquaman Review (No Spoilers)

After starring in Justice League (2017, Zack Snyder/Joss Whedon) over a year ago, Aquaman (Jason Momoa) is finally getting his solo movie. Many audiences seem disconcerted with this movie, due to DC's shaky track record with critics, but with director James Wan (Furious 7, The Conjuring) at the helm things could turn around for the struggling movie franchise. The trailers have advertised a truly engaging movie experience. So it's time to see if the DCEU can win back audiences that have been disillusioned by the previous movies.

Initial Thoughts

This movie is incredible! It's a captivating thrill ride that is one of the most faithful comic book movies I have ever seen. From the costumes to the action, this is Aquaman come to life! The action is incredible, the visuals are stunning to behold and the characters are really enjoyable to watch. This is a great movie for any audiences member. Not just Comic book/Superhero fans.

Aquaman/Arthur Curry/Jason Mamoa

This is a different interpretation of Aquaman from his comic book counterpart. The movies have had to change him to fit Jason Mamoa's personality and charisma. But I think the writers have done a really good job of tailoring the character in this way. Jason Mamoa oozes charm throughout this entire movie whilst also giving a compelling and sincere interpretation. It takes some time for comic book fans to get used to this version but by the end of the movie, Jason Mamoa becomes THE Aquaman. To the same level that Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman and Ben Affleck is Batman.

Story

The story is loosely based on the Throne Of Atlantis storyline from 2013, and whilst that storyline was good but flawed, I say this movie really improves on it. Incorporating elements from that story, such as the Trench and attacks on the Surface World in very effective ways. But the movie also takes elements of the Legend of King Arthur which work very well. Personally, this is the best King Arthur movie that we've had in so many years! However, this isn't a perfect script. The first act is a little rushed. Trying to cover Aquaman's backstory, Black Manta's backstory and the set-up for the war against the surface. Still entertaining but rushed. But as a whole, the story for the film is exceptionally good!

Visuals

This is easily the best VFX work ever made for a DC movie. I would argue that it's at the same level as Avatar (2009, James Cameron) in the sense that audiences can truly become immersed in this world. Atlantis is truly a VFX spectacle in its other-worldly design. But there are shots in this film that are basically works of art and, thankfully, the film does hold on some of these shots so that audiences can marvel at what they are seeing. I've been seeing some critics say that the movie has too much CGI, but I disagree. It's quite reliant on it but it has to be. There's no way that you could film most of this movie practically. And it's hardly an issue because the VFX are quite life-like and don't hinder the look of the film in any way.

Mera/Amber Heard

I'm happy to say that Mera holds her own in this movie. Not being heavily reliant on her Male contemporaries and being quite invaluable to the story. I really did like the relationship that she had with Aquaman, and I think this is mainly because Mamoa and Heard have pretty good on-set chemistry. They are able to play off each other really well in their scenes together, from their bickering to their more heartfelt moments. Also, Mera's Hydrokinesis (Waterbending for any Last Airbender fans) is incredible! I loved it anytime Mera used her powers in a fight!

Ocean Master/Orm/Patrick Wilson

The main villain in this film is Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson) who delivers a great performance. Ocean Master is a villain you can truly get behind, as his hatred for the surface world is quite justified. Particularly in one scene that shows the reasoning behind his hatred, which is conveyed very well through monologue and assisted visuals. I would have preferred if he was a little more like his comic book counterpart, where he loves his brother but has different views on how Atlantis should be ruled. But I really did enjoy Ocean Master in this movie. Also, this is perhaps the most faithful villain costume I have ever seen. Almost ripped from the comics! It was incredible!

Black Manta/Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

I won't lie, I was a little disappointed in Black Manta. Whilst the scenes he was in were great, particularly the fight in Sicily, he was a little one-dimensional. This is mainly because the focus is on Ocean Master that Black Manta's character feels rushed and not well done. However, much like Ocean Master, the character's design is ripped right out of the comics. So he still holds a lot of promise and I hope that the sequel will work to develop Manta even more. Because his rivalry with Aquaman is almost as strong as Batman and the Joker and it deserves a proper cinematic treatment!

James Wan

Wan has definitely made a highly faithful movie, and in some case even improves on the source material. Using his strengths that he's developed throughout his film career such as great action, like in Furious 7, and horror, like in The Conjuring that is used really well. But what really impressed me was Wan's ability to make his own unique style and print on this movie whilst still compliments the styles of other DCEU directors like Zack Snyder (Man Of Steel, Batman V Superman) and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman). It still feels like a shared universe whilst being its own thing at the same time.

Conclusion

This is an amazing Fantasy/Adventure movie for all audiences. The story is great, the characters are wonderful to watch and the action and visuals are out of this world and will blow your mind! I would suggest watching it in IMAX if you can to gain the full experience.

So that's my review of Aquaman. What did you think of the movie? Did you agree or disagree with any of my points? Leave a comment down below. And, if you liked this review then you can follow this blog for more content. Thank you for reading!