Review of Aquaman (2018) by Corina G — 30 Dec 2018

We begin King Arthur's story -- not the one with sword and the anvil, but rather a trident and a throne -- near a lighthouse. This scene captures the natural beauty and overall essence of a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Whether it be the orange rays of sunshine peeking over the horizon, or the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below, the scene does a tremendous job of making the audience feel as though they have ventured to a Maine coastline to experience it firsthand. As the story progresses, we are introduced to the main attraction: Atlantis. Atlantean culture is a concept that you may be familiar with if you have had the pleasure of reading the plethora of books on Atlantis; Interestingly, I draw my experience from the 2001 Disney animation Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Whether you have a more sophisticated perspective of Atlantis or you have chosen to settle for the cartoon depiction like myself, Aquaman does a tremendous job of portraying this vast aquatic world in a spectacular fashion. In a brief sequence we are given a quick historical context of how Atlantis came to be -- a focus on how the city was born and how it transcended into the current version. Furthermore, the film reveals the geographical boundaries of the ocean similar to what was provided in this year's critically acclaimed Black Panther film: a sense of territory within a greater territory (Atlanteans, fish people, Xebels, the Trench). This geographical and cultural distinction of King Orm and the Atlantean nobles from the mostrous atrocities of the Trench, closely parallels the distinction of King T'challa and his nobles from the members of the Jabari tribe. Another positive note would focus on the marine life and its relationship with the Atlantean people. If the riding of great whites and seahorses doesn't soothe your animalistic soul, surely the sight of an octopus playing bongo drums will. There were definite positives in regards to the geography, living beings, historical context, and overall world: albeit a few thing that could have been explored in more detail, such as entertainment, social life, and dining habits (they can't possibly eat fish, can they?!).

Aquaman is essentially, the outcast who finally found his way home. I believe that a lot of us can relate to what little, and big, Arthur was going through, and more importantly we can learn from how he was able to overcome his challenges. Mera is portrayed as a strong and powerful woman, who any man would want (or woman for that matter) by their side. The thing that I most admire about this character is that she in not a typical "sidekick" -- a person essentially there to support the hero/heroine -- but she takes the lead throughout most of the movie and serves as an essential guide throughout Arthur's quest to the throne. Ocean Master/King Orm honestly comes off as a prick, uncontent with his wealth, fortune, and status: eager to be more powerful like every other villain in the world. His motivation to hate Aquaman is weak at best, but somewhat understandable, as it is Arthur who represents a mark of betrayal left by his adulterous mother. Atlanna is the bad ass mother who will do anything to protect what she loves. This is first evidenced in the opening sequence of the movie where she kicks her royal army's ass to protect her lover and their child; it is even more understandable when she leaves the two men that she cares for more than anything and returns to a doomed situation, so that she may protect them from any harm. Black Manta and his motivations are understandable enough -- father's death as a result of Aquaman's negligence -- however the strength of the motivations is somewhat weak due mainly to the short amount of time provided to care. I reference Erik Killmonger and the relationship that was portrayed with his father as an great example. Upon watching the emotional scenes between Erik and his father play out, we care, and that is the key to making a convincing villain. At first glance I thought that Nuidis Vulko was there simply to play role of "how Aquaman, who never had any interaction with anyone from Atlantis for the entire time prior to this film (except his brief and ludicrous interaction with Mera in Justice League, where he seemed to know exactly where to go to 'protect the mother box' despite never being to Atlantis prior to the movie) was able to use a trident, fight and swim at unnatural speeds" cover guy. However, through Willem Dafoe's performance he served as a useful and faithful character.