Review of Aquaman (2018) by Michael1208 — 21 Dec 2018

The sixth installment in the DCEU is a total bonkers adventure similar to Marvel's Thor inspired by Lord of the Ring trilogy, Star Wars and Tron: Legacy, a major improvement following the disappointing events in Justice League.

It is a standalone and unique superhero origin not seen before thanks to Wan's amazing effort for being able to fit in wide variety of his visions throughout a straightforward background story of a special boy with ability to talk to fish.

It offers a spectacular undersea experience in terms of scope with stunning CGI visual effects on par with those in Avatar, impressive editing and energetic wide-angle shots of different action sequences, including beautiful scores as usual from Rupert Gregson-Williams.

Character development might not be strong but the chemistry between Arthur (Jason Momoa) and gorgeous Mera (Amber Heard) is just so charming on screen, even the villains King Orm (Patrick Wilson) and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) felt surprisingly threatening compared to other superheroes flicks in recent years.

Despite long running time and usual flaws, it explores the seven seas myths in depth, fast pacing with good transition, a third act at a majestic scale that ends in a positive note that would certainly lead DCEU to a brighter tone in future.