Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is finally out and marks the final film of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) series of superhero films. Directed by James Wan and written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall, the film is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 film Aquaman and stars Jason Momoa and Amber Heard, reprising their roles as Arthur Curry and Mera. The film also stars Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Dolph Lundgren. The movie follows Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, as he sets out on a quest to find the Lost Kingdom of Atlantis and save the underwater world from destruction.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the film’s action sequences, visuals, and performances, while others criticized its convoluted plot, weak character development, and lack of emotional depth. Despite the mixed reactions, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

In this in-depth review of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, we will take a closer look at the movie’s plot, characters, performances, visual effects, and overall impact on the superhero genre. We will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the film, and analyze its themes, messages, and cultural significance. Whether you loved or hated the movie, this review aims to provide a comprehensive and objective analysis of one of the most talked-about superhero films of the year.

Background of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

The film follows the story of Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, as he embarks on a new adventure to find the lost kingdom of Atlantis. Along the way, he must face new enemies and challenges while also dealing with personal issues.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was released on December 16, 2023, and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film’s action sequences and visuals, while others criticized the plot and character development.

Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. This success has led to talks of a third Aquaman film, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a thrilling superhero film that builds on the success of its predecessor. Fans of the first film and the superhero genre are sure to enjoy this action-packed adventure.

Plot Overview

Main Storyline

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a sequel to the 2018 blockbuster movie Aquaman. The movie follows the story of Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, who is the king of Atlantis. In this movie, Arthur must team up with his brother Orm, who is also the king of Atlantis, to fight against a new threat that is endangering the entire world.

The main storyline of the movie revolves around the search for the lost kingdom of Atlantis, which is believed to hold the key to saving the world. Arthur and Orm must embark on a dangerous journey to find the lost kingdom and retrieve a powerful artifact that can help them defeat the new threat.

Character Development

In addition to the main storyline, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also features significant character development for both Arthur and Orm. Throughout the movie, the two brothers must work together to overcome their differences and become better leaders for their people.

Arthur must come to terms with his role as king and learn to balance his duties as a leader with his desire to protect his family and friends. Orm, on the other hand, must learn to put aside his own ambitions and work with his brother to save the world.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a thrilling adventure that combines action, drama, and character development to create a compelling story that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Cast and Characters

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom boasts an impressive cast of talented actors who bring the characters to life. Here is a breakdown of the key performances and supporting roles in the film.

Key Performances

Jason Momoa reprises his role as Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, and delivers another charismatic and action-packed performance. Momoa’s physicality and energy make him the perfect fit for the role, and he brings a sense of humor and vulnerability to the character that makes him relatable.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II returns as David Kane, aka Black Manta, and once again proves to be a formidable foe for Aquaman. Abdul-Mateen’s intensity and screen presence make him a standout in the film, and his character’s motivations add depth to the story.

Patrick Wilson also returns as Orm, aka Ocean Master, and delivers a nuanced performance as the conflicted villain. Wilson’s portrayal of Orm’s inner turmoil and struggle with his own identity is a highlight of the film.

Supporting Roles

Amber Heard returns as Mera, and while her role in the film is somewhat diminished compared to the first movie, she still brings a sense of strength and determination to the character. Temuera Morrison also returns as Tom Curry, Arthur’s father, and provides some emotional weight to the story.

Newcomer Pilou Asbæk joins the cast as King Nereus, and while his character is somewhat underdeveloped, Asbæk brings a regal presence to the role. Indya Moore also joins the cast as Karshon, a character who adds some much-needed humor to the film.

Overall, the cast of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom delivers solid performances across the board, with each actor bringing something unique to their respective roles.

Production Details

Direction and Cinematography

James Wan, the director of the first Aquaman movie, returns to direct the sequel, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”. Wan’s direction is visually stunning, with an emphasis on bright colors and fantastical landscapes. The cinematography, led by Don Burgess, captures the underwater world in a way that is both breathtaking and immersive.

Special Effects and CGI

The special effects and CGI in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” are top-notch. The mix of practical effects and CGI is seamless, creating a world that feels both real and fantastical. The non-human characters, including a talking crawfish king and a dutiful octopus, are impressively detailed and add to the film’s sense of wonder.

Soundtrack and Score

The score for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, who also composed the score for the first Aquaman movie. The score is epic and grand, perfectly capturing the film’s sense of adventure and heroism. The soundtrack also features a number of popular songs, including a cover of “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie.

Critical Reception

Professional Critiques

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has received mixed reviews from professional critics. While some have praised the film’s stunning visuals and action sequences, others have criticized its lack of narrative and thematic depth. For instance, The ComicsVerse notes that the film offers a “visually stunning experience with strong action sequences,” but falls short in terms of story and character development. Similarly, IndieWire states that the film is “goofy but half-hearted,” and “a damp shadow of James Wan’s” original Aquaman movie.

On the other hand, BBC Culture argues that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom “never attempts anything original or honest,” and that it is unlikely to satisfy fans of the superhero genre. Meanwhile, The Movie Blog asserts that the film is “technically impressive,” but is let down by an “overburdened plot, mismatched pacing and underdeveloped characters.”

Audience Reaction

Audience reaction to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has been more positive than the critical reception. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an audience score of 86%, indicating that the majority of viewers enjoyed the movie. Many viewers have praised the film’s stunning visuals and action sequences, as well as the performances of the cast, particularly Jason Momoa as Aquaman.

However, some viewers have also expressed disappointment with the film’s lack of depth and originality. Some have criticized the plot for being too convoluted, while others have argued that the characters are underdeveloped. Despite these criticisms, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has still managed to find a solid fanbase among superhero movie fans.

Box Office Performance

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. The movie was released on December 22, 2023, and grossed $19.5 million in its opening weekend in the United States, placing second at the box office [1].

Despite the positive reviews and the popularity of the franchise, the movie failed to meet the expectations of the studio and the fans. The movie had a budget of $200 million, and it was expected to gross over $1 billion worldwide [1]. However, the movie only grossed $300 million worldwide, which is considered a disappointment by the studio [1].

One of the reasons why the movie underperformed at the box office was the competition. The movie was released during the holiday season, which is a crowded time for the movie industry. Other movies such as Wonka, The Matrix Resurrections, and Spider-Man: No Way Home were also released during the same period, which affected the box office performance of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom [2].

Despite the underperformance of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the movie still managed to attract a significant number of fans. The movie received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, and it was praised for its visual effects and action scenes [3].

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s box office performance was not as successful as the studio and the fans had hoped. However, the movie still managed to entertain its fans and receive positive reviews.

[1] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2023/12/22/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-box-office-ends-dceu-and-2023-with-whimper/)
[2] (https://www.ign.com/articles/wonka-wins-the-final-domestic-weekend-box-office-of-2023-with-a-239-million-performance)
[3] (https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-review/5188994.article)

Comparative Analysis

Predecessor vs. Sequel

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, as a sequel to the 2018 Aquaman movie, has been compared to its predecessor by many critics. While the first movie was praised for its stunning visuals and action-packed sequences, the sequel has been criticized for its lackluster special effects and unoriginal plot. However, some have argued that the sequel’s focus on character development and emotional depth makes up for these shortcomings.

Within the DCEU

Within the DCEU, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has been compared to other films in the franchise. Some critics have noted that the film’s underwater setting and mythology make it stand out from other DCEU movies, while others have criticized it for not being as cohesive or well-executed as other entries in the franchise. Overall, the film has been received as a solid addition to the DCEU, but not necessarily a standout.

Against Other Superhero Films

When compared to other superhero films, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has received mixed reviews. Some have praised its unique setting and mythology, while others have criticized it for not being as groundbreaking or innovative as other superhero films. However, most agree that the film is an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the genre.

In terms of box office performance, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has been a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. While it may not be the most critically acclaimed superhero film, it has certainly resonated with audiences and solidified its place in the genre.

Cultural Impact

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Aquaman, has had a significant cultural impact since its release in December 2023. The film, directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa as the titular superhero, has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.

One of the most notable aspects of the cultural impact of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the continuation of the superhero genre’s dominance in Hollywood. As the highest-grossing film of 2023, the movie has solidified the genre’s position as a box office powerhouse. Moreover, it has also contributed to the growing trend of sequels and reboots in Hollywood.

Another cultural impact of the film is its representation of diverse cultures and mythologies. The movie features characters from various cultures, including Atlanteans, and explores different mythologies, such as the legend of the Lost Kingdom of Atlantis. This representation is a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity in Hollywood films.

Finally, the film’s cultural impact is also evident in its merchandise and marketing. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has spawned a range of merchandise, from action figures to clothing, and has been heavily marketed across various platforms. This marketing has contributed to the film’s cultural impact by increasing its visibility and reach.

Overall, while the film has received mixed reviews, its cultural impact cannot be denied. From its contribution to the superhero genre’s dominance in Hollywood to its representation of diverse cultures and mythologies, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape.

Future Implications

Expanded Universe Potential

While this film is widely seen as the conclusion to the DC Extended Universe, the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has left fans wondering about the future of the DCEU. While the movie has received mixed reviews, it has still managed to set up potential storylines for future films.

One of the biggest implications of the movie is the introduction of new characters, such as the villainous Atlan, who could potentially appear in future DC films. Atlan’s backstory and powers were only briefly touched upon in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, leaving plenty of room for exploration in future movies.

Additionally, the movie’s ending sets up an interesting dynamic between Aquaman and his brother, Orm. While the two were enemies in the first movie, their reconciliation in the sequel could lead to interesting storylines in future films.

The movie also introduces new locations, such as the Lost Kingdom, which could be explored further in future movies. The Lost Kingdom is a visually stunning location that could provide the backdrop for epic battles and adventures in future films.

Overall, while Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may not have been a perfect movie, it has set up potential storylines and characters for future DCEU films. Should new direction of DC films under James Gunn reprise this iteration of the character, fans of the franchise will undoubtedly be excited to see where the universe goes from here.