“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is the sequel to the 2018 standalone hit film “Aquaman.” Effectively marking the end of the DC Extended Universe ahead of the franchise’s upcoming reboot in 2025; the film is neither a disaster nor a masterwork, making a perfectly serviceable if underwhelming sequel.
The main story takes place four years after the events of the first film. As Arthur Curry (Jason Mamoa) does his best to balance his role as King of Atlantis with being a father to his infant son; his old enemy the Black Manta (Yaya Abdul Matteen II, HBO’s “Watchmen”) seeks to use an ancient fuel known as “Orichalcum” to wreak vengeance against Arthur and his kingdom. Forming a reluctant alliance with his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson, “The Conjuring” series); Arthur goes on a 124-minute globetrotting journey to stop Black Manta and save the land as well as the sea from disaster.
Though not straying too far from what made the first film work; director James Wan does still provide enough new material to enjoy. The action scenes, sea creatures and otherworldly gear look every bit as showy as the film’s $205 million budget; with an opening scene of Arthur riding his seahorse mount from the comics into battle being a standout. The performances are solid across the board, with the repartee between Arthur and Orm being an entertaining reversal of their dynamic in the first film. Black Manta also makes for a more compelling villain than Orm did in the first film, seeking to use Arthur’s royal blood to free an ancient villain known as Kordax (Pilou Asbaek).
That’s not to say the film isn’t without issues. On top of hewing relatively close to the style and tone of the first film; the theatrical release was clearly subject to extensive reshoots (a common problem faced by the franchise throughout its run). While the real-life drama surrounding Amber Heard clearly impacted her role as Queen Mera, her reduced screen time is the most prominent example of characters from the first being sidelined. Ideas included from the proposed but ultimately unmade spinoffs make the story overstuffed at times. Though the visual effects are solid for the most part; some fights do have obvious CGI that resembles the video game “Injustice 2” more than a blockbuster film. Still, the film is far from the worst DCEU film produced; even if it’s largely inconsequential to the future of DC on film.
By Steven Pryor
Directed by James Wan (Based on characters from DC Comics)
Starring Jason Mamoa, Patrick Wilson, Yaya Abdul Mateen II, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren and Nicole Kidman with Steve Yeun and Amber Heard
Rated PG-13
My Rating: ***1/2:5
