Aquaman 2 Review: Jason Momoa's Underwater Adventure

Is Aquaman 2, also known as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, a success or failure for DC Studios? Jason Momoa returns as the King of the Seven Seas in his second solo adventure. The pre-release buzz for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hinted at production issues, including reshoots, on-set conflicts, and potential recasting.

Additionally, Aquaman 2 faces the challenge of being closely connected to the DCEU, a cinematic universe that is on the verge of being reset by new DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran. With this in mind, can this sequel really succeed?

However, despite the concerns, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom doesn't turn out to be the complete disaster that many anticipated. Still, it falls short of being the victorious conclusion that fans of the DCEU were undoubtedly wishing for.

A slow-moving buddy cop superhero movie

The sequel to Aquaman takes place several years after the events of the original movie. Aquaman (Momoa) has tied the knot with Mera (Amber Heard), and they are now caring for their infant son. In addition to being a father, Aquaman is still getting used to his role as the ruler of Atlantis. The challenges of his position are further complicated by the reappearance of the formidable villain Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II).

Driven by a thirst for vengeance, Black Manta resurrects an ancient malevolence from Atlantis' history, posing a threat to both the surface and undersea realms. In order to have any hope of defeating him, Aquaman seeks an unlikely ally in his villainous stepbrother, Orm (Patrick Wilson).

While the premise is strong, director James Wan and screenwriter David Leslie-Johnson-McGoldrick take too much time setting up the story. It's not until halfway through Aquaman 2 that the lost kingdom, integral to the film's title, even comes into play for our hero.

Zero points for emotion – and originality

There are undeniably some exciting thrills and humorous moments throughout the film – Momoa and Wilson's dynamic as a buddy cop duo is particularly effective. The underwater visuals are also stunning, especially when viewed in 3D. However, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom tries to weave in so many subplots within its 2-hour duration that it feels more like a crowded cruise ship than a sleek speedboat.

DC Studios

As a result, you will find yourself disengaging. Aquaman 2 presents various family conflicts and is eager for us to be emotionally invested in all of them. However, there is not enough screen time for Momoa with anyone other than Wilson for most of these emotional moments to have an impact.

The movie's tonal inconsistencies are not helped by director Wan's shifts between sincere epic, campy romp, and needle-drop-filled atmosphere, creating a jarring viewing experience. It feels like several unrelated films are haphazardly combined, and the half-hearted conservationist message further adds to the disjointed nature of the movie.

Adding to the disappointment, the various elements within the movie lack originality. While there are some unique creatures and environments, many are reminiscent of those seen in other, superior blockbusters. Stripping away the aquatic setting reveals similarities to those found in movies like Wakanda or Middle-earth.

Aquaman 2 review score: 2/5

However, none of these imperfections, not even the most serious ones, are sufficient to completely derail Aquaman 2. When it succeeds, it provides enjoyable entertainment, and when it falters, there is usually something visually appealing to captivate our interest, at the very least.

The bar may be set low, but 2023 has been a disappointing year for superhero movies overall. Despite this, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom doesn't seem too bad. Let's hope that DC Studios can improve soon. Watch for the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in theaters on December 22. For more Aquaman 2 content, visit Dexerto for complete coverage.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Aquaman 2, hoping it would deliver an epic adventure that would surpass the first movie. While the film does have its moments of excitement and stunning visuals, I can't help but feel underwhelmed by the overall experience. The story feels disjointed and cluttered with too many subplots, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. The tonal shifts between sincere epic and campy humor also come across as jarring, hindering the movie's ability to create a cohesive narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, Jason Momoa's performance as Aquaman remains captivating, and his chemistry with Patrick Wilson as Orm is one of the highlights of the film. The underwater visuals are also impressive, showcasing the beauty and wonder of the ocean depths. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that many of the movie's elements lacked originality, with similarities to other blockbuster franchises. Overall, Aquaman 2 is a passable superhero movie that provides some entertainment value, but it falls short of reaching its full potential and fails to leave a lasting impact.