Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 2023 movie review
The latest movie in the DCEU, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," marks the end of a pretty disappointing run for the whole project. The DCEU had its fair share of troubles, including drama behind the scenes that gave us some entertaining headlines. Unfortunately, the series concludes on a rather quiet note. The latest film, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," is okay, not the worst, but it's not going to leave a lasting mark like other DCEU movies.
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Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 2023
The story in the film feels like a mixtape of superhero best movie clichés we've seen a hundred times. It takes place a few years after the first movie, with Black Manta seeking revenge on Arthur, the new king of Atlantis. They team up with Arthur's half-brother, Orm, to save the world. It's got all the usual superhero movie elements—world-ending stakes, a hero reluctantly becoming a leader and a core relationship that mostly serves for some funny moments. The problem is, it doesn't bring anything new to the superhero genre. "The Lost Kingdom" doesn't stand out; it's just another run-of-the-mill superhero movie.
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In "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," the problem lies in the fact that the story lacks a connection to the characters. You could swap Aquaman with any other superhero, and the movie wouldn't change much. Even though Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson work well together, their chemistry is more about their natural charm than the dialogue developing their relationship. The plot gets lost in lengthy explanations for simple ideas, sticking too closely to a formula that keeps the audience at a distance.
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The movie can't decide on its tone, wavering between serious stakes and wanting to be a comedy. The villain, Black Manta, and the troubles he causes are talked about a lot but never really explored or felt, as the characters oddly maintain a cheerful vibe. Humor is subjective, but "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" doesn't offer much to draw laughter. Instead, it relies on predictable, overcrafted dialogue that lacks the unexpected twists that make comedy enjoyable.
Returning director James Wan struggles with the film's identity, heavily influenced by the studio. Despite weak storytelling, the action scenes, especially those involving tridents, are visually engaging. However, they can't distract from the overall lack of investment in the characters and the vague narrative.
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The visuals in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" are mostly good, with a few VFX special effects shots. The costume and production design are strong, and the lighting finds a nice balance between the overly dark Snyder films and the franchise's overly bright entries.
What's really disappointing is the lack of creativity in the film. It's not the fault of director James Wan, the cast, or the production crew—they seem held back. The real problem lies with the higher-ups who seem desperate to churn out endless, uninspired content. This might sound like an easy criticism, but it's the main reason why the movie falls flat. "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" feels outdated, borrowing elements from better examples without much thought for the final product's quality. The DCEU needs some serious changes under James Gunn's leadership. This film is a small version of the larger problem with the franchise, and it's a fitting end to the confused misfire of the DCEU so far.