scottwilliamfoley.com

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom plunges us back into the vibrant underwater world of Atlantis, where dazzling special effects and breathtaking CGI reign. Director James Wan again delivers a visual spectacle, with luminescent coral cities, bioluminescent creatures, and action sequences that flow across the screen.

The film’s greatest strength lies in the dynamic between Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry and Patrick Wilson’s Orm. Their on-screen chemistry crackles, especially as they navigate their brotherhood, rivalry, and uneasy alliance. Their shared history, conflicting ideologies, and begrudging respect for each other create a fascinating core to the narrative.

However, Aquaman himself seems to have lost some of the edge that made him so captivating in previous films. The wit and effortless cool have been replaced by a more pronounced surfer dude persona, leaning too heavily into the Zack Snyder iteration of the character. While Momoa’s charisma remains undeniable, the humor feels forced at times, veering into sophomoric territory.

Where the film truly fumbles is its heavy-handed approach to fatherhood and family life. Arthur’s newfound role as a dad dominates large portions of the narrative, often feeling forced and oddly juxtaposed with Mera’s largely absent presence as the mother in these family scenes. While exploring themes of fatherhood and responsibility is commendable, the execution comes across as clunky and unearned, especially considering Mera’s crucial role in the previous film and her undeniable strength and agency. The fact that Amber Heard is not quite as popular anymore is meaningless to me–Mera is a fantastic character and should have been given her due.

Furthermore, the plot, while serviceable, lacks the originality and inventiveness of its predecessor. The stakes feel lower, the narrative beats somewhat predictable, and the mythology, while expanded upon, doesn’t quite capture the same sense of gravitas. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta is always interesting, but his motivation and character development felt contrived.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a decent superhero sequel that delivers on spectacle but falls short of the groundbreaking heights of its predecessor. It’s a fun and visually stunning underwater adventure, but one that might leave you wanting more from its narrative, its hero, and its treatment of Mera.