One of 2018's most entertaining blockbusters.

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2018)

There's a lot working against the first solo Aquaman movie. The DC cinematic universe has a poor track record, underwater CGI can be extremely difficult to get right, and the concept of Aquaman as a hero is ridiculous even by comic-book standards. Yet somehow director James Wan has dished up one of 2018's most entertaining blockbusters, well and truly matching its Marvel counterparts on the fun-scale. It may be silly, but it's the perfect type of silly. After helping the Justice League defend Earth against Steppenwolf, Arthur Curry (Jason Mamoa) finds himself at the centre of another looming invasion on his home planet - this time from the deep sea Atlantians, led by his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson). With action sequences both on land and under water, Wan doesn't miss his opportunity to thrill with inventive and exhilarating set pieces, starting with a pre-credits fight that sees Nicole Kidman's Atlantian Queen kick some serious butt in one, long unbroken shot. The film engages in a game of one-upmanship with itself, the action getting bigger, wilder and more ambitious. Not every single sequence tops the last, but there's a healthy upwards trend leading to the climactic oceanic battle. Like all big budget flicks the computer effects are abundant and lavish, but particular credit goes to the VFX team for making the underwater sequences look amazing and, to a certain extent, feel realistic. It's not just the impressive visuals and exciting action that makes this movie a blast though, the tongue-in-cheek tone and carefree humour signals loud and clear that this movie is in on the joke, and that DC characters can have fun whilst also being a bit moody. It also helps that Mamoa is just so damn likable too; his reluctant superhero is the kind of guy you would want to share a few beers with. Where Mamoa ends and Arthur Curry begins is a blur, his real-life laidback persona forming a large part of the role. Not everything works (Yahya Abdul-Mateen's pirate sub-villain is a misfire, the second act sags a little), yet the film is firing on so many cylinders that these are mere blips quickly forgiven. Throw in an epic Thor: Ragnarok-esque soundtrack and Aquaman is popcorn cinema done right.