So, I’m a massive DC fan. Since I was about 4 years old I’ve grown up on the comics and have always preferred them over Marvel. However, Aquaman was always a hero that I was never too interested in and found completely unrelatable. This guy just didn’t have the cool factor for me and I realised that a lot of people felt the same way when I saw the character being lampooned on Robot Chicken. Like it or not, Aquaman was a laughing stock.
Then, when I picked up the New 52 book, Justice League: Origin, that all changed. Here was a guy who could control Great White Sharks, get the fish part of your brain to eat itself and was generally a badass. DC are very conscious of the characters image and there is no bigger testament to this than the 2018 movie: Aquaman.
The Best DC Film Since The Dark Knight Rises
As some one who has actually enjoyed the majority of DC films, even Batman V Superman, I was quite excited for this but have tried to keep it out of my mind as the company often disappoint with their film adaptations. I’m happy to say that Aquaman completely blew me away. From beginning to end the movie is a complete spectacle that features some of the best action and special effects that I’ve ever seen in a comic book movie.
The screen is awash with colour and the way that the characters animate underwater is so breathtaking and subtle at the same time that you forget that you are watching people being pulled up and down on a green screen within the first few seconds of seeing it. This is a real tour de force and by the movies mid-point, I knew it was the best DC live action film that I’d seen since The Dark Knight Rises.
Jason Mamoa is fascinating as a flawed hero and really feels like he is a reluctant King that is fulfilling his duty for the greater good. It’s a brilliant choice to make him the Han Solo of the Sea and he finds the perfect Princess Leia in Amber Herd’s Mera. Both are really captivating in each scene that they appear and feel like they are on an epic quest to save the world.
Patrick Wilson too takes charge as a villain that is quite easy to relate with. As King Orm, there are definitely aspects of his personality that I sided with and seeing flashes of trapped turtles and dolphins really rallies you to his cause.
The Bad
There are some aspects that I didn’t like such as the absolutely atrocious Pitbull Cover of ‘Africa’ by Toto. Also Black Manta feels pretty skipped over, his arc is pretty short and he’s not really elevated to be the large threat and nemesis that he should be.
These gripes are minor however and there is a lot to love here for comic book fans. I never imagined I’d see Throne of Atlantis on the big screen like this but James Wan does a spectacular job of bringing it to the big screen. Atlantis as a location is vibrant, fully realised and completely dwarfs my expectations.
Aquaman completely recaptured my love for DC comics and got me interested in a character that I was never invested in. All of these aspects are no mean feat and showcase just how good the film is.
Aquaman is a blast from start to finish and whilst not perfect, still had me walking out the cinema with a smile on my face.
It scores an…
8.5/10
Your Thoughts
So, what are your thoughts on Aquaman? Did you enjoy it and what do you hope to see in the future from DC?
Comment below and let me know and if you enjoyed this video and don’t mind having things ruined then make sure you check out my spoiler talk on the film which will be linked at the end.
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Thanks again for taking the time to watch this, I’ve been Deffinition, you’ve been the best and I’ll see you next time. Take care, PEACE!
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