Visually striking, but not a good script

Rating: 6/10 (24 December 2018)

Sigh. Another swing and a miss for DC.
It was the weirdest experience. The movie started out so well. For literally the first 45-60 minutes, I was really enjoying myself. Then things got a little silly... then more silly... then more silly... then downright ridiculous. I realize this is a comic book movie, but still. Maybe Marvel has set my standards too high.
It's not like the movie is a complete disaster. The world building and production design are downright amazing. This has got to be one of the most visually striking films I've ever seen, and that's saying something in today's day and age.
The problem is the script. The premise is great: Arthur must find the magic trident to become king of Atlantis and save the world. Classic comic book/architypal awesomeness. Where things get bad is in the execution. Bad dialogue. Bad acting. Over-the-top and unnecessary additions to the plot. Jokes that don't work... at all.
I kind of felt like the pendulum has swung too far the other way for DC right now. Man Of Steel and Batman Vs Superman were criticised for being too dark and moody. This one is too silly and childish. Poor DC just can't seem to get the formula right.
This film had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, it wasn't realized.