‘Aquaman’ review: Energetic ride under the sea

James Wan captures us with a new look on the DC Universe by bringing us a superhero spectacle through Aquaman as it delivers energetic action.

Aquaman tells the origin story of a half-human, half-Atlantean named Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa). Born to a human father (Temuera Morrison) and Atlantean-queen mother (Nicole Kidman), Arthur takes on the journey of his lifetime when his half-brother, King Orm (Patrick Wilson), decides to unite the undersea kingdoms and wage war against the surface dwellers. With the help of Atlantean Princess Mera (Amber Heard), Arthur takes a quest to find the mystical weapon that will let him take the throne and prevent the upcoming war.

The film was virtually stunning and a feast for the audience eyes, especially on the IMAX screen. James Wan really did a great job in capturing its audience with a new look on the DC Extended Universe via Aquaman. It is overall a new take on handling a superhero film.

While connected to other DCEU films, Aquaman wisely branches off into a unique piece of its universe and fills in its undersea world beautifully made by CGI elements. Everything is detailed—from their costumes to the underwater world of Atlantis.

The story is captivating and full of heart. It tells not just the love story of Aquaman himself but also that of his parents. The action sequences are so awesome and not just limited to underwater scenes.

The cast put up a great performance with their corresponding roles. Jason Momoa was first seen as Aquaman in Justice League and he retained his charisma in this standalone movie. He is clearly having fun while touching the hearts of fans—and non-fans alike. Amber Heard as Mera, on another hand, is indeed stunning and beautiful donning a red hair. Her talent has a large support on Jason Momoa’s role. Patrick Wilson and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II are in the same line effective and admirable as villains.

Aquaman is really an epic ride under the sea for it is one of the superhero films to remember. It is a solid DC Universe film that would be embraced by superhero fanatics. Plus, it takes a massive splash at the box office in the Philippines, proving that DC should continue to explore rousing solo adventures for its unique superheroes. It’s creatively bigger and exciting: deserving to be seen in IMAX screen.

5 out of 5 stars

Directed by James Wan Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, Patrick Cox, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Runtime: 146 minutes.