Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the sequel to 2018’s Aquaman. The film plunges us back into the fantastical underwater world of Atlantis for the last time, where Jason Momoa's charismatic Aquaman struggles balancing the responsibilities of being king, along with being a husband and father. When the vengeful Black Manta, reprised by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, resurfaces with even more power than before, Aquaman must turn to former foes in order to save the world from irreversible destruction.

While the plot navigates familiar thematic territory I thought that it was still engaging. The film did a good job exploring themes of climate change, confronting and letting go of prejudices, family rivalries, and even forgiveness. The action sequences were fun, showcasing creative underwater battles and thrilling escapes. There were also some clever homages to films like Star Wars, Iron Man, and Black Panther. However, the CGI still fell short of achieving real cinematic magic, occasionally making the aquatic world feel like a video game. Additionally, the script often veered into cheesy territory with kid-friendly jokes that missed their mark.

As for casting, I appreciated the diversity of the group and could see Momoa’s influence in the friends he brought on to the project like Game of Thrones actor Pilou Asbæk. With Momoa also co-writing the film, I could also see his own personality and hobbies intertwined in his character, even more than before. From the rings he wears to the beer he chugs. Even the use of the haka and the motorcycle he stunts on, it's clear his passion for Aquaman permeates the film. I was a bit disappointed that they had Amber Heard back as Mera. Her chemistry with Momoa wasn’t really there and overall her performance was pretty lackluster. And when she wasn’t boring she was overacting. One scene in particular both she and Momoa's overplaying was cringe worthy. Also cringy and distracting was Dolph Lundgren's many confusing hair colors.

One of the only highlights in the film was Randall Park's casting as Dr. Stephen Shin. He is one of the select few who have now crossed into both Marvel and DC universes. He played a man with a conflict of conscious who was just trying to do the right thing.  He was really likable in this role. My only issue was him being casted as "smartest scientist".  It felt a little like a tried trope to me. 

In the end, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a fun adventure, notwithstanding some imperfections. It's not breaking any new ground in the superhero genre, but it delivered on its promise of action, entertainment, and a message about environmental responsibility. If you're looking for a lighthearted superhero escape with some familiar faces, dive in – but be prepared for some choppy waters along the way.