Aquaman was one of the most awaited movies from the DCEU and many expectations were riding on it, as far as the fate of DCEU is concerned. The movie finally released in India on 14th December 2018, a week ahead of the US release, and here are my views on the movie.
If I am to compare Aquaman to the other DCEU movies, it is not as good as Wonder Woman, but certainly better than all the other DCEU movies - Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League. Now that we have established how the movie ranks in the DCEU, lets look at what works and what doesn't work for the movie. The movie does a pretty good job at telling the audience what Aquaman can do and what are his superpowers, which was mostly a mystery in his last movie - Justice League. The movie moves along at a fast pace for most parts, but it does slow down at some places. Some crisper editing would have helped the movie become better. Being a superhero movie, this movie has a lot of CGI and VFX shots, which are very good at bringing the underwater world to life. However at places they look tacky and you can easily figure out that the action on screen is pure CGI, which should not be the case. The story is good but at times the action on screen doesn't seem very compelling. Even though we know that the world is in danger, but the audience does not sense the danger, as they very well know the hero is going to save the day. The writing could certainly have been improved to get the audience more involved with the plot.
Jason Momoa as Aquaman certainly steals the show here as he looks and acts like the superhero very well. He is undoubtedly the star of this movie. Patrick Wilson as Orm, is good and he leaves impact as the movie's main villain. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta is very good and should have been given a longer role. However he will be an antagonist in future DCEU movies as per proof in the mid credit scene, and thus waiting to watch how he will be used in future. All the other actors including Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman are fine in their roles.
James Wan has done a good job at resurrecting DCEU and his good direction is visible through most of the movie. However a sub par script hasn't helped his cause. We have previously seen him direct some very good horror stories. He should have included some horror and thriller elements in this movie as well to make it more exciting.
One of the good things about this movie are its action sequences and the action choreography. The first action scene with Nicole Kidman is perhaps the best action choreography seen in this movie. The chase sequence where the Atlanteans and Black Manta are chasing Aquaman and Mera is also very good and innovative. Thus full marks to the action team here. However the action and direction at other places could have been improved.
Overall the movie is certainly watchable. But does it guarantee a second watch - I don't think so. So go ahead and watch this movie with your loves ones this holiday season.
Rating - 3.5 / 5
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