Hey, look at this! A comic book film I actually enjoyed! Cynical Joe over here can still have fun watching movies. That’s exactly what Aquaman is: fun. How do you make a film with a standard cookie-cutter story enjoyable? With great execution, amazing colors and over-the-top sequences, that’s how.
I think Warner Brothers has finally discovered a formula for success with these spin-offs: limit Zack Snyder’s involvement while simultaneously allowing the directors of these films to be themselves. We can thank Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman) for that.
Director James Wan’s fingerprints are all over this film. The accomplished director takes the Furious 7 formula (his previous big-budget action movie) and puts Aquaman in it. And since Furious 7 was a wonderful bit of mindless fun, Aquaman is that as well, but with even more money.
My favorite thing about this film is the colors. The production design here is out of this world (or, to be precise, in the depths of the sea). Had Snyder been given more leeway in this project the sets would’ve been disastrous, given the fact that it’s hard to find natural light underwater (and thus justification to shoot an underwater scene “during the day”). But Wan makes sure every set, regardless of natural lighting, is lush and colorful and fun to look at. Mad props to production designer Bill Brzeski. If this film deserves any recognition from the Academy, it should be for its mesmerizing production design, or its special effects—those are pretty dang good too. The third act in particular has a ton of absurd sequences that would’ve looked absolutely ridiculous were it not for the great special effects.
Also, the cast is great. Jason Momoa is fantastic as Aquaman, bringing a level of suave and charisma to a character that’s never been known for it.
The writing is where this film really flounders, but one character that does receive a great arc and a ton of depth is King Orm (Patrick Wilson). While this villain isn’t quite as dynamic as Killmonger from Black Panther, King Orm’s motivations are grounded in real-world problems and thus make him a far more sympathetic villain (2018 has definitely been the year of the villain in superhero movies).
However, King Orm is about the only character whose arc is even remotely interesting in Aquaman. Aquaman goes on a dullishly ordinary hero’s journey, and Mera (Amber Heard) is all but wasted as the sidekick that (predictably) falls in love with the male lead. You’re never taken by surprise with this story, but, similar to that of Furious 7, you still find yourself having fun with all the mindless action. It is undoubtedly well-made and executed, with a charismatic (though dull) lead and an interesting villain. What more could you ask for out of a big-budget action movie?
