A lot of fighting but little else

Rating: 5/10 (12 January 2019)

Aquaman is special effects extra vaganza, but seriously lacks in plot, character development and some serious directorial decisions.
So, in just about the first scene we learn that Arthur, or Aquaman as he is known as, is pretty much invincible. He takes a grenade in the chest and doesn't get a scratch. So, physically, you can't get to him. For a movie that is just about 150 minutes of fighting, that is kind of a problem. Yes, I know, the hero will win in all movies, but it is easier to get engaged into a movie if there actually is a theoretical chance the hero might get hurt. Kind of a basic rule with heroes; they should have a a weakness. Something that his enemies might exploit. Superman's kryptonite is a fine example. Aquaman seems to have no weakness. Sure, atlantean technology can cut his skin, but even when he is stabbed or shot with plasma (strong enough to make stone explode) he isn't much worse for wear. Not to stop fighting anyway, or deliver some oneliner.
Not even when Aquaman acquires the superweapon Atlan's trident, guarded by the ancient powerful monster Karathen, are there any suspense. There actually is no fight at all. So, the movie seriously lacks suspense. What's worse is, Arthur himself doesn't seem to think there is any either. He mostly cracks som weak jokes and seem to take very little seriously (so why should we?). Another side effect of all the weak jokes and fighting is that Arthur and Mera never really develops any chemistry.
And why, aside from setting up a sequel, was Black Mantha in the movie at all? It didn't need more fights, and that was about all you got out of that character (you might have used it to explore and develop Arthur's relationship with his father - a possible weakness). And when the movie is full of action, and running over 150 minutes, you might want to consider sutting a subplot out.
Visually, the movie is stunning. The settings in Atlantis is wondrous, and I really liked the use of electronic music and the neon lights (got some flashbacks of Tron there). However, it is not enough to carry a movie. Still, the action is good, so it is not like inte isn't an entertaining movie. But, it doesn't really live up to the competition.