Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom review

 

I loved the original Aquman movie back in 2018. It was fresh, fun and unique. Jason Mamoa while not looking the part of the King of Atlantis was incredibly charming as Arthur Curry. 5 years have passed since then and with this movie being the last of the DCEU continuity as we know it will Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom go out in a grand fashion?? Well the answer is both yes and no. Jason Mamoa return as Aquaman who having spent the last number of years as King of Atlantis and a new father and husband he is finding it difficult to juggle everything. He doesn't see himself as fit to rule and honestly it shows in his rather carefree attitude. His life and the entire Atlantis civilization get up rooted when human invaders arrive literally on thier doorstep in the form of arch nemesis Black Manta who has been searching for Aquaman, Atlantis and a new way to gain power for quite some time. His goal?? avenge his father and kill everyone and everything Arthur Curry holds dear. 

Much like the original movie Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom takes place underwater for a fair chunk of the movie and while it's fine some effects just look really janky and almost video game cutscene like. It really takes you out of the experience which is a shame. That's not to say it's all bad because when the effects are done right it shows and the final act is both epic and satisfying. Jason Mamoa's character arc throughout is rather good here as he finally begins to accept his responsiblities and even his own family which was for the most part well done. Both he and Patrick Wilson have some great chemistry together and the second half of the movie where they're tracking down Black Manta is equal parts hilarious and wild. As for the big elephant in the room well that is none other than Amber Heard who returns as Queen of Atlantis Mera and both her and Jason Mamoa do not look nor share anything resemballing chemistry especially that of a couple so madly in love as Arthur continuously refers to her as his love. You could cut her out of the movie and it wouldn't really matter in the grand scheme of things I feel. As for the real standout here that has to go to Black Manta as the returning villain looking for revenge tale goes this is a fairly strong one as his anger and disdain for Aquaman is really believable. 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom isn't anything remarkable. Infact it's nothing amazing, that being said it's a fun sequel movie in it's own right. Credit to James Wan here as their really is glimpses of something truly special but whether it be studio interference or something else it just doesn't all come together as it should have. The DCEU has bid us farewell as the new version and connected universe of these characters I so love and hold dear to me begins with Superman and Legacy in 2025 by James Gunn. It's been quite the journey of the past 10 years that's for sure. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is worth checking out if nothing then to be entertained for two hours which ultimately isn't that what we all want at the movies??

★★★