Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review: There's a widely shared meme on social media that involves people posting a picture or a video of themselves doing a sequence of increasingly absurd positions or movements. There are many variations of the cheeky dictum advising against predictability: "Never let them know your next move." In contrast to those who follow this tendency, the creators of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom don't hesitate to follow convention. It appears that they like it better.
The follow-up to James Wan's 2018 hit film Aquaman is incredibly formula-driven. This tale of how Jason Momoa's Arthur manages the responsibilities of leading his undersea realm with the difficulties of fatherhood is not very surprising. The screenplay, which alternates between a series of punchlines looking for a joke and awkward exposition setting forth more Atlantis legend, has even fewer inspired moments. Screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick crafts a story about family men and geopolitics somewhere in there, but it's not the strongest or most vibrant you've seen.
I remember a few very psychedelic shots, moments that were taken from perspectives that made it seem like these bad guys and heroes were fighting beneath the surface of the ocean. Wan, however, largely adheres to the video game aesthetic of his debut picture. As a composer, Rupert Gregson-Williams makes a comeback, and his music evokes feelings in viewers that the narrative doesn't really aim to. Even the performers are exhausted by this sequel's absurdity.
Though his life has changed, Arthur is still hot and attractive. Momoa provides a voiceover introduction to the aquatic superhero at the beginning of the movie. Arthur (Patrick Wilson) married Mera (Amber Heard) and had a son after conquering his brother Orm. He divides his time between the underwater city of Atlantis and his above-ground childhood home.
When Arthur's not putting his cherubic heir to sleep, he's either nodding off at council meetings or arbitrating disputes between his people. Momoa brings the same charming and silly wit to his role, even during policy meetings and diaper changes. Although Arthur possesses the moral qualities befitting a king, he would much rather enjoy the pleasures of parenting than maintain the warmth of the throne.
Unfortunately, duty calls. Black Manta, Aquaman's adversary (please, more Yahya Abdul-Mateen II!), still has to exact revenge on his father. Using his powerful gold trident, Aquaman demolished the leather-clad villain's costume in the previous movie. Thus, Black Manta (really David Kane without the insectile mask) must mend his equipment before he can fight again.
Black Manta finds the Black Trident while on an expedition headed by Dr. Shin (Randall Park) to locate Atlantis-level technology to power the suit. The Lost Kingdom, an ancient Atlantis metropolis, is the source of the weapon. An elaborate backstory is skillfully revealed far too late in the movie. It's crucial to understand that the person wielding the spear forms a demonic alliance. Their biggest goal can come true for the tiny cost of their soul and unwavering loyalty.
Fortunately for Black Trident's demonic spirit, Black Manta is laser-focused. While more aspirational antagonists may strive for global dominance, the man dressed like a bug is happy to kill Aquaman and everyone he cares about. Black Manta, having obtained the Black Trident, sets off on a mission that would inevitably endanger the survival of both marine and terrestrial civilizations.
Knowing he can't save the planet by himself, Aquaman has a lot on his plate already. Cue a fraternal reunion. As his mother, Nicole Kidman, makes a comeback over everyone's feeble objections, Aquaman allies up with Orm to save his family and the world.
Together, they embarked on epic journeys around the world in pursuit of a solution to vanquish Black Manta. The main focus of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is creating scenarios in which Arthur and Orm can quarrel like kids rather than crafting a coherent narrative. Over its two hours, the movie seems to be counting on viewers' diminishing attention spans, as doubts about the narrative arise as the story goes on. Animated power battles are set aside, and seemingly significant threads are subtly dropped. The brothers get into increasingly bizarre situations. While some of them provide creative depictions of ecosystems affected by rising emissions, the majority of the actions and the gags that go along with them are unmemorable.
The stakes are the most disheartening aspect. The drama of Momoa and Wilson's story remains consistent throughout, even as they fight, jump, kick, tease, and ultimately save each other and themselves in the Big Finale. There are very few story points in this movie where you truly worry that Aquaman won't succeed or that his confidence in Orm might not be justified. There was only one instance where I nearly passed out.
The morally dubious choices that would invigorate the narrative and give the characters life are not entertained in the fiction. Here, Momoa relaxes, taking advantage of Arthur's sense of humor and teasing with a level of cockiness that approaches depth. Wilson's harshness works well with him, and Abdul-Mateen becomes a powerful antagonist. However, the movie never comes across as very daring. We always know the next move.
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