You only have one time to make a first impression and when DC, inspired by the success of Marvel and their “shared universe” of films, tried the same thing, it was not really successful. Batman vs. Superman disappointed and the same was true for Justice League. Where the Marvel films were mainly light-hearted and entertaining, that was not the case in the DC universe. That does not have to be a problem, as the Batman films of Christopher Nolan have proven that a realistic, dark atmosphere can work, but the general public doesn’t seem to look forward to the films of the studio as much. Wonder Woman might have been the exception, but that also succeeded because it had a different tone. Aquaman was introduced in the In Justice League film and Jason Mamoa gave the character both a serious as a lighthearted feel by for example joking about Batman. Now the character gets his own movie. Is this another disappointing DC movie or has the company finally found the right balance?
With horror director James Wan at the helm, who previously made The Conjuring, Indsidious and the first SAW film, you might wonder if this is the right director for a superhero movie. But then you forget that he already has done a superhero movie, Furious 7. With that movie, which was full of action, he showed that he should not be put in the “horror director” box and that he can also successfully handle such a project. That is also the case with Aquaman. A film that has clearly drawn inspiration from various films and genres and that delivers a lot of variation. There are elements of films such as Indiana Jones, The Mummy, Avatar, Alien, Jurassic Park and even a continuous shot showing all the action like in the first Avengers movie and that works. Aquaman has to search for the trident with which he can claim his place as king of the sea. He ends up in unfamiliar environments that are very varied in terms of look.
If you were not familiar with the difference between Marvel and DC, you might label this film as a Marvel movie. It is a title with a great pace, a lot of action and humor and in which Mamoa always plays the character with a sparkle in his eyes. He clearly enjoys his role. This makes Aquaman a joy to watch and it offers exactly what you can expect from a superhero movie on the big screen. An entertaining adventure that never is boring. With an underwater world that has been convincingly realized, you are taken to new places and you don’t have a doubt that the different actors / actresses can breathe underwater.
[score8]