Rating: ★★ 1/2 ☆☆ (2.5/5 stars)
Released 12-22-2023
Watched 12-24-2023
Reviewed 12-27-2023
Viewed in Theater - Using Cinemark Movie Club
"I'm going to kill Aquaman and destroy everything he holds dear. I'm gonna murder his family and burn his kingdom to ash."
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" treads familiar waters with a narrative that feels like a retread rather than an evolution. The sequel finds Aquaman, once again played by Jason Momoa, facing off against Black Manta, who now wields the fearsome Black Trident. This new power threatens to unleash an ancient evil, forcing Aquaman to form an uneasy alliance with his brother Orm.
While the premise promises high stakes and deep-sea drama, the execution falls short. The movie leans heavily on CGI, which, while visually impressive, often feels overused and detracts from the storytelling. The sense of déjà vu is palpable, with the plot offering little in the way of innovation or surprises. It’s a classic case of style over substance, where the spectacle fails to mask the lack of originality in the storyline.
The acting is serviceable, with Momoa and the cast delivering performances that fit the genre but don't particularly stand out. This is especially noticeable in scenes where the heavy reliance on CGI makes it challenging for the actors to truly shine.
In essence, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" feels like a middle-of-the-road superhero flick. It's not terrible, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table either. For fans of the genre, it might be worth a watch, but there’s no need to rush to the theaters. Waiting for it to hit streaming services would be a wiser choice. Moreover, for those who haven’t seen the first film, skipping this sequel won’t result in missing out on much. In summary, it's a passable but ultimately forgettable addition to the superhero film landscape.