Into the DC Murderverse: "Aquaman"

 "Aquaman" (2018)

If you're a fan of the DC character, Arthur Curry also known as the king of Atlantis, Aquaman, I'm sure the first person that you think of is the same guy that played Khal Drogo in "Game of Thrones." I kid, I kid. There was a time when Aquaman had long hair and a hook hand so maybe that is what they were thinking of when they cast him. Who knows? Most likely they were thinking here is a likable, popular actor who would put butts in seats. And here we are. It is interesting that Aquaman is getting a movie before The Flash or even Batfleck getting a solo film. We are a long way from jokes about talking to fish and how lame it is.

Principal photography on "Aquaman" began in May 2017 and concluded in October 2017. The film stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius/Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane/Black Manta, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Randall Park as Stephen Shin and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna. The film was written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall. It was directed by James Wan. "Aquaman" was released on December 21, 2018.

Aquawoman

I feel like I should get this out of the way right from the start. Jason Momoa seems like a great guy. He's a local hero. He was raised in Norwalk, Iowa and his mom still lives here. He still comes to visit pretty often. He's charming as fuck. He has tons of charisma. He is a really nice guy, I'm sure. All that being said, he is not a great actor and he was not the ideal choice to play Arthur Curry. Like I mentioned in my intro, I get why they would want to cast him. It makes sense, but this is Jason Momoa playing Jason Momoa. I feel like the screenwriters just followed Jason Momoa around and lifted dialogue word for word from things he has actually said to people. It's just really odd when you compare it to the other characters who are pretty faithful to their comic book counterparts. It's like Jason Momoa was pulled from his real life into the pages of an "Aquaman" comic where he ended up with the King of Atlantis' powers. This is a lot to say that he's the worst part of the movie. I stand by this.

The rest of the cast does a really great job bringing these characters to life. This is not an Amber Heard hate account. I don't care about her relationship with Johnny Depp. As far as I'm concerned they are people who were incredibly toxic to each other and one is not better than the other. She's not the reason he got fired from the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise. The frivolous lawsuit he filed and lost is. That being said, Heard does a good job in a relatively thankless job. She's there to guide Arthur to a job that he doesn't want, that she is definitely more qualified for, but can't have because of prophecy. She does get to do some cool stuff with her water manipulation powers so there's that.

Yahya Abdul Mateen II is a phenomenal actor. This movie maybe doesn't showcase his acting prowess to the fullest since all he mainly does is be angry and scowly. If you want to see a better example, check out the "Watchmen" limited series on HBO. Honestly, I'm not sure why the brought Black Manta into this movie. He doesn't get a lot to do and it may have been better just to have him be only in the sequel, instead of just being walking daddy issues.

Help me get rid of this red eye.

Patrick Wilson is clearly having a ton of fun as Ocean Master. He takes scenery chewing to the next level and I love every minute of it. He knows what he's there for and he isn't taking himself too seriously. Willem Dafoe as Vulko is your run of the mill Alfred type but underwater. I will say the de-aging tech used on him did not really work. It is pretty scary. 

I could have used a lot more Nicole Kidman in this movie. I'm not sure if they used the de-aging technology on her in the beginning but they probably didn't need to. It was amazing watching her lay the smack down on those Atlantean guards who showed up to the lighthouse. I would legit watch a prequel movie all about Atlanna beating ass. Throw Mera in there. Who needs Aquaman? Not this guy. 

Oh and let's not forget that we have Dame Julie Andrews voicing a racist sea monster.

If you were nervous about the underwater scenes in "Justice League" (and who would blame you?) you have nothing to worry about in "Aquaman." This is just a really gorgeous movie. One of my major complaints with the DC Murderverse so far is that it is literally dark. Like, washed out and dark. "Aquaman" doesn't have that problem. It is bright and beautiful and Atlantis and the other underwater kingdoms look so beautiful. It really is a treat for your eyes. There are some moments when the people underwater can look a little waxy and the floating hair a little unnatural, but I am willing to give that a pass.

Call me OCEAN MASTER.

The biggest problem with "Aquaman" is that it is mishmash of different genres and none of them gel entirely gel. And for a movie that is exploring so many different genres, it is kind of boring. At it's heart, "Aquaman" is a pretty straightforward re-telling of the King Arthur legend. A man destined to rule a fantastical kingdom, but no one will acknowledge his claim unless he has a mystical object, but its not a sword in a stone that Arthur needs to pull out, it's the Trident from the cold dead hands of his ancestor. But in case Arthurian legends aren't your thing, the movie takes a little detour into "Indiana Jones" territory when Arthur and Mera go searching for the clue to the Trident. And who doesn't love "Indiana Jones" movies? The movie is so stuffed with conflict that you don't understand why they didn't cut some things. Did they think there wasn't going to be a sequel? You've got the fight for the crown, the Black Manta stuff and then they throw in the monsters from the Trench. 

I mentioned this earlier, but how fucked is it that all these fantasy kingdoms have these random succession laws that ultimately end up with someone hugely unqualified on the throne. Like, everyone is so worried about Arthur being a "half-breed," but how about be more worried about how he knows nothing about the politics of Atlantis, the different kingdoms, socioeconomic politics and he's a douchey surfer dude bro. And again, there is a perfectly qualified woman who could have been queen this entire time, but no. She isn't destined to get that trident. Wouldn't the people of Atlantis be better off with Mera as queen?

The mid credits scene has Black Manta being rescued by Randall Park's Dr. Stephen Shin who offers to help him as long as Manta leads him to Aquaman and Atlantis. I'd be meh about this, but Randall Park.

Next up, God help us, Zack Snyder's Justice League. If I drank, this would be the time.

I want to hear from all you Aquafans. Why do you love this movie? Why is Jason Momoa a good actor and a good Aquaman? Let me know in the comments.