Journey under the sea to Atlantis in the newest installment to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Aquaman. In this origin story, we meet Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), the half-human, half-Atlantean, who embarks on a daring and heroic journey to achieve his destiny of becoming king of the ocean.
The character of Aquaman has never been the most popular or beloved among the vast collection of DC characters. In fact, most people my age probably were introduced to him through Steve Carrel’s hilarious reference in 40-Year-Old Virgin (or maybe that was just me?). Nevertheless, the character has always kind of appeared as the goofy guy who can talk to fish. It’s a ridiculous concept.
If you mix this preconceived notion with the fact that the DCEU has been pushing out stale superhero flicks over the last couple of years (with the exception of Wonder Woman), you have a lot working against you.
Instead of trying to prove us all wrong, director, James Wan took the story, embraced its ridiculousness, its insecurities, and its doubts and completely ran wild with it. Aquaman is a mindless yet entertaining superhero flick – or what my mom likes to call, “good old-fashioned fun”.
Sure, the script lacks any emotional depth and has the cheesiest one-liners I have seen in a while. Absolutely, there is a lot of dumb CGI-stuffed action sequences including Amber Heard riding an orca. And why yes – the dizzying, watery world of Atlantis reminds me too much of the Gungan City from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace resulting in horrid Jar Jar Binks flashbacks. But it was still a wild and fun ride even if the CONSTANT camera motion was making me a little seasick.
A lot of the fun is in big part thanks to Momoa, who is a natural as the titular character. His charm and onscreen energy is an absolute blast.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize the brief yet brilliant voice artistry by Julie Andrews. YES. MARY POPPINS, QUEEN OF GENOVIA, HERSELF HAS A CAMEO AS A GIANT SEA MONSTER. For this alone, Aquaman receives my applause.
Final Thoughts: Aquaman is just as ridiculous as this review has been, but didn’t you have fun? Exactly. You’re welcome.
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