Trident of Atlantis, give me sight beyond sight!
In the latest DC Extended Universe (DCEU) instalment, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” directed by James Wan, we plunge back into the aquatic world of Arthur Curry, portrayed by Jason Momoa. The sequel, while not expected to surpass the box office success of its predecessor, stands strong with a 35% critic score and an 81% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
The sequel revolves around Aquaman, now the king of Atlantis and a family man, facing his formidable adversary, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). Black Manta seeks revenge for his father’s death and wields the powerful Black Trident to advance global climate crises and revive a lost aquatic kingdom. The plot thickens as Aquaman, in an unlikely alliance with his brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), formerly the king and now imprisoned, must navigate their strained relationship to protect Atlantis and the world.
Aquaman and his brother Orm
Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman brings a unique charm and depth to the character, distinguishing him from the darker, more brooding members of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. His chemistry with Patrick Wilson adds a compelling layer, as their characters transition from adversaries to allies. Yahya AbdulMateen II’s Black Manta stands out as a classic, delightfully villainous antagonist and provides a mix of humour, drama, and action under Wan’s skilled direction. The film’s humour and character development, especially between the conflicting brothers, are notable highlights.
Director James Wan, renowned for his work in the horror genre with “The Conjuring” franchise, adeptly shifts to action and comedy, leveraging Momoa’s rugged persona against Wilson’s serious demeanour. This dynamic creates an engaging buddy-movie chemistry, resonating well with the audience.
Visually, the movie is a feast, thanks to its $200 million budget. The underwater scenes, in particular, showcase cutting-edge special effects, immersing viewers in the stunning aquatic world of Atlantis. The movie, however, has faced criticism for its occasionally disjointed narrative and the underutilization of its supporting cast, including Amber Heard as Mera, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, and Dolph Lundgren as Nereus. Despite these critiques, the film’s standalone nature in the superhero genre is appreciated, offering a departure from the interconnected narratives common in contemporary superhero movies.
As rumours circulate about Momoa’s potential transition to other roles within the DCEU, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” serves as a potential farewell to his portrayal of the Atlantean king. The film, while not reaching the commercial heights of its predecessor, remains a solid entry in the DCEU, characterized by its entertaining approach and Momoa’s impactful performance.
In summary, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a visually arresting and action-packed sequel that navigates complex themes of brotherhood, revenge, and environmental crisis. It stands out within the DCEU for its unique tone and Momoa’s charismatic performance, paving the way for a diverse and promising future in the DC movie universe.
