Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) seeks to enact his revenge against Aquaman (Jason Momoa) using the mythical Black Trident. To combat Manta, Aquaman seeks out his exiled half-brother, Orm Marius (Patrick Wilson) before it’s too late.

Review:

James Wan’s Aquaman (2018) made waves for the DCEU, becoming a billion-dollar hit.

It had some entertaining action sequences, unique visuals, and a catchy soundtrack.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has some of its predecessor’s strengths. Despite that, the film is less consistent in its execution of them.

Whilst Aquaman (2018) was ridiculous with its humor at times, its sequel goes overboard.

Patrick Wilson and Jason Momoa’s chemistry as brothers is decent at first. It becomes far more tiresome as the film progresses.

It is also clear that Jason Momoa isn’t as invested in the Aquaman character in this film.

Instead, the film relies on cheap jokes rather than meaningful dialogue or development.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's narrative structure also has problems.

It once again depends on a tired, over-expository approach to detailing certain events.

Despite being a movie about the Lost Kingdom, this plot point has minimal relevance. As an example, it is not mentioned until the third act of the film.

Also, the film’s focus on the mythic Black Trident that Black Manta uses isn’t very well executed. He also finds it lying on the ground because… plot convenience.

As a whole, the plot surrounding Black Manta isn’t good. Despite this, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s performance is the film’s highlight.

He also happens to provide the most entertaining action sequences.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's action is far less consistent than that of its predecessor.

It contains some very shoddy-looking visuals and rapid editing that is distracting.

As an example, the film focuses far too much on underwater chase sequences. Each of them contains an endless number of visual effects.

James Wan's first Aquaman film had shots that left an impression. This is not the case with the Lost Kingdom.

These unfinished shots may have been a result of studio interference. It may have also been the lack of a creative direction for the DCEU universe.

Amber Heard’s Mera also returns, yet doesn’t have much screen time other than a couple of action sequences.

Rupert Gregson-Williams returns to helm The Lost Kingdom's soundtrack.

With it, he brings back familiar themes for characters such as Aquaman and Black Manta.

As a whole, Williams’ soundtrack is good. Regardless, it doesn’t offer as many memorable moments compared to the first.

Still, his soundtrack is good, making a welcome addition to the proceedings.

Conclusion:

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a film weighed down by a tired approach to storytelling.

It also has some very distracting green screen effects and off-putting humor.

Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson’s chemistry on screen as Orm and Arthur is decent to begin with.

It soon descends into humor that fails to elicit many laughs.

Due to her lack of screen time and meaning in the plot, Amber Heard’s Mera is as forgettable as she was in the first entry.

As a recurring antagonist, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta's action sequences entertain. This is despite the plot surrounding him not being up to standard.

This film's action sequences are also decent. Despite this, they lack the creativity of the first. Most of this film's action amounts to CGI-heavy chase sequences that leave little impact.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s soundtrack by Rupert Gregson-Williams offers some excitement.

He also brings back his signature Aquaman theme from the first film, which some fans will appreciate.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may be the final film in the DCEU.

If that's the case, James Wan ends Aquaman's journey with a small splash rather than a tidal wave.

Still, it may offer some moments that Aquaman and DCEU fans get entertainment from.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 5.5/10

Action - 6/10

CGI and visuals - 6/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 6.3 out of 10