GREAT MOVIE!

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2018)

DC Films comes in with a tidal wave sized splash with Aquaman! Things are still rocky in terms of the DCEU, however Marvel still has competition for solo outings and Aquaman is that strong contender that was needed.
James Wan takes the metaphorical throne for this one and this movie has his finger prints all over it. I am such a fan of his work. The movie's story played out so well, and the camera shots from the way the angles are used, to the panning around action scenes, when they choose to spiral around or stay steady. The CGI, I might add, is amazing. There is no mountain of mustache mayhem to be found here. The colors are so vibrant and unique but blend together to create truly magical scenery.
This movie makes quick mention of Arthur's involvement in Justice League, but is barely attached to the previous batch of DC Films. We are treated to the origin of Aquaman via short flashback moments that tie in with the present day plot that give you a deep connection to our underwater hero. It's very similar to the first season of CW's Arrow, but only in the sense of two stories intertwining to support the overall story-arch. But Aquaman doesn't keep going back to the past for the entire duration of the film.
This movie has action every where you look but also tells a great, impactful tale of a loner more or less needing convincing to go from rags to riches in order to save not only Atlantis, but Earth from Arthur's younger brother, King Orm who plans on uniting the kingdoms of the sea, and taking a battle to us surface dwellers for the murders and poisonings of the oceans creatures.
Not a single character felt insignificant or out of place and absolutely everything that was done had tremendous purpose. Each actor brought their characters out of the water and into life where you could truly feel connection to everyone. Jason Momoa really turns the charisma on and keeps the wit and charm Aquaman showed off in Justice League and became a completely lovable leading man, and Amber Heard is right up there with him in a constant back and forth battle for leading standout of the film. Both deliver perhaps their own respective performances of their careers, and Heard fully keeps Mera as a strong willed bad ass and Momoa oozes machismo as the film continues on. I could go on for days and describe the outstanding performances of Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lungren, Willem Dafoe, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II but just trust me, and see for yourselves how great they are.
I truly feel that this is a knock out of the ballpark for DC & WB. If you like giant battle scenes, swords (or in this case trident ðŸ”±) fight scenes, or just bad ass combat, this ones for you!