James Wan transports viewers to a distant ocean in ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom
Review: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
For a movie about a guy who talks with fish, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” accomplishes a lot. It’s proven there’s nothing director James Wan can’t do and it’s a breath of fresh air in these dark days for the superhero genre. This movie is just more evidence that the best practice moving forward for superhero films should be to rely on good filmmakers and deal with one project at a time. In other words, to go back to the days before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) turned everything into one massive IP vortex.
Aquaman’s Rise to Success
- The first Aquaman film came out a half-decade ago and surprised everyone by becoming one of the biggest superhero films ever, grossing over a billion dollars.
- It proved DC’s characters weren’t to blame for lackluster film adaptations but rather the people behind the movies.
- Enter James Wan, the mastermind behind successful horror franchises like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious,” as well as the acclaimed “Fast and Furious” movie number 7.
Among the DC superheroes, Aquaman is routinely mocked in nerd culture as the fish guy. But Wan was a fan and he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the property. What makes Wan’s take on Aquaman work is that he fully embraces the universe. He isn’t embarrassed by the silliness, rather he loves the things that define the character. And the stories he tells with Aquaman are stories about an undersea world and how it intersects with ours, he doesn’t try to shoehorn Aquaman into our world but rather takes us to his.
This is what makes adaptations of DC’s core trio (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman) so fraught with awkwardness. Those characters are placed in our world, where they don’t really belong. But James Wan’s Aquaman movies have more in common with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” or “Star Wars.” The ocean is treated as a distinct universe with numerous alien species and separate political entities.
An Aquaman story should take the viewer to an ocean far far away, and that’s what this latest one does in spades. The “Star Wars” influences are worn flamboyantly not hidden, there’s an overt reference to Jabba the Hutt via a fat fish mob boss hilariously played by Martin Short.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” delivers in all the same ways that the first film did and breaks the cycle of bad DC sequels that had become the norm. Wan thankfully didn’t kill off Aquaman’s great villain Black Manta and brought him back for a much grander villainous scheme. The drawn battle lines between good and evil are refreshing because of how unoriginal they are, again like “Star Wars,” the good guys are clearly good and the bad guys clearly bad. Their motivations are simple and clear, there’s no hint of anti-heroism or irony. It’s just an old fashioned adventure story.
Wan realizes this mostly CGI world in a way that feels much more authentic than recent big-budget CGI fests. It’s not always clear when something is practical vs. computer which creates a more seamless and enjoyable experience. It’s a beautiful film full of color and life.
Sadly, this is officially the end of this run of DC movies only because Aquaman has worked so well. That this is the swan song is both frustrating and appropriate. Thankfully DC’s failed attempt to chase the MCU is finally over. Hopefully, Aquaman is able to swim away from this rotting corpse and have a life of its own.
How does “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” differentiate itself from other superhero films through its commitment to the source material?
Rld. This commitment to the source material is what sets “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” apart from other superhero films.
One of the highlights of the film is its stunning visual effects. The underwater world of Atlantis is brought to life in a way we have never seen before. The vibrant colors, intricate details, and breathtaking landscapes make it feel like a whole new world. The action sequences are also a sight to behold, with fast-paced underwater battles that showcase the characters’ unique abilities. The CGI is seamless and never feels out of place, making it easy to get lost in the immersive experience of the film.
The cast of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is also exceptional. Jason Momoa shines as Arthur Curry, capturing both the tough exterior and the vulnerable interior of the character. Amber Heard delivers a strong performance as Mera, displaying both her fierce warrior skills and her compassionate nature. The supporting cast, including Patrick Wilson as Orm and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, are equally impressive in their respective roles.
One aspect that sets this film apart from its predecessor is its focus on character development. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” dives deeper into the emotional journey of its characters, portraying their struggles, growth, and relationships. This adds depth and complexity to the story, elevating it beyond a mere superhero blockbuster.
However, the film is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging on while others rush by too quickly. The plot also becomes convoluted at times, with multiple storylines and characters to keep track of. While this complexity adds depth to the film, it can also be overwhelming and confusing for some viewers.
Despite these minor shortcomings, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a triumph for both James Wan and the superhero genre. It proves that a well-crafted story, talented filmmakers, and a commitment to the source material can result in a captivating and visually stunning film. It is a reminder that superhero films can be more than just mindless action and can explore deeper themes and emotions.
In conclusion, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre, as well as those looking for a thrilling and visually spectacular cinematic experience. James Wan’s vision and dedication to the source material shine through, creating a film that is exciting, heartfelt, and a true homage to the character of Aquaman. It sets the bar high for future superhero films and proves that there is still room for creativity and originality in the genre.
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