‘Aquaman’ brings a fresh wave to the DC Universe

Jason Momoa is still hot (aka water is wet)...

The DC Universe is known for its overly dark and complicated storylines. Coming off of Justice League (which was a MESS), I was hoping they could improve on their formula for at least a decent movie. What I got was a solid addition following in the footsteps of Wonder Woman.

Aquaman is a breath of fresh air under water. The action sequences are some of the best in the genre and the visuals are simply gorgeous. Everytime we‘re underwater, it feels like the movie is finally in its element. From the stunning sites of Atlantis to the terrors of the Trench, it’s obvious the moviemakers dedicated a lot of time to the look of the movie and it pays off.

The story is good, but not great - probably why it’s sitting at a 64% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Momoa must stop his evil half-brother Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson, better known for his roles in the Conjuring movies) from washing away the land above the sea. Along the way, he inadvertently creates another franchise villain - Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). Both just come off as jerks, like Disney’s Channel baddies only there for plot purposes.

Some of the dialogue and acting is questionable at times. Momoa goes a little overboard with the “rugged superhero” schtick, while Mera (played by Amber Heard) delivers a few stale lines. This is quickly forgotten anytime she shows us her waterbending badassery.

IN THE END...

Aquaman ranks somewhere better than Justice League, but below Wonder Woman (which may be DC‘s Black Panther). The slick visuals and fights scenes are well worth the price of admission - but are broken up with boring dialogue by stagnant archetypes. Now, if DC can learn from this and do right by Ezra Miller forThe Flash, I’ll be a happy nerd.

8.0 shirtless Jason Momoas out of 10.

P.S. - There is one after-credits scene.