A very solid blockbuster movie

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2018)

I went in to this movie with very low expectations. DC movies tend to be very inconsistent with their movies so even though I really liked the trailer, I really liked BVS's trailer as well, but we all know how that movie turned out. Wonder Woman did really well and was quite a solid movie so I'm hoping that this movie will be on par with Wonder Woman, and i must say, it was so freaking amazing. I've heard before going in that it feels like a Marvel Phase 1 movie, like Thor or something, and to some extent I agree. But, in my opinion, this movie feels like it has a very simple premise, but somehow their execution was so damm well that it turned out better than it should have been. And i'm not mad at all.
I'd like to discuss about certain aspects of the movie like the plot, cgi, setting all those goodies as well as running down the character's list to check out each actor and actresses individual performance. First off, I must say the plot is actually pretty simple. The whole arc of the movie revolves around Aruther distinguishing the idea between King and Hero. He also has to learn to get over the "hold everything responsible" trope and learn to take on responsibility as the king. I thought that the movie did really well trying to conveys this through Mera and Aruther's first encounter, where we dive straight into the issue that Aruther must learn to overcome, as well as I think the most important scene in the movie, which is Mera and Aruther's talk on the boat, where he has to learn to accept reality and stop doubting himself.
Speaking of Aruther, let's talk about the Aquaman himself. He feels very real and although, I didn't initially liked the casting of Jason Mamoa as Aquaman, he's grown on me and really like all the emotional scenes he has with Mera, his mother and everyone else. He really does sell the idea and Director James Wan makes the character seem very genuine and relatable. Mera was great. She's how I always thought she should be. Badass, hot and not a damsel in distress. Her chemistry with Aruther was really believable and they're really good couple, and that kiss though!!
The CGI was really breathtaking and just, really really good. From the underwater swimming scenes, to the Atlantis structures and scenes to the fight scenes (especially the fight scenes, freaking amazing), there's so much to see in this movie. The attention to detail is just really nice to see.
Now for the villains, black manta and Ocean master. I would just like to say that that their suits are one of the most comic accurate costumes I've seen in a while and its just very nice to see. Black Manta was pretty good in this movie. I liked that they were able to integrate an origin story of sorts into the movie without making too forced. Black manta was a nice addition but wasn't really needed and was just here to set up the sequel. Ocean Master on the other hand, who I thought was going to a joke in this movie, was actually not that bad of a villain. I mean he does have his own twisted motivation, it makes sense, and he is menacing while doing it. So kudos to the actor. I particularly like his and Aruther's exchange before their first fight because it showed not only his motivations, but the conflict between Aquaman and Him, and thus showing a clash in ideologies, which I love.
The father and mother of Aruther storyline was quite boring and put aside. I didn't really cared for either of them and when it was revealed spoiler alert that Aruther's mother was still alive, it really wasn't that surprising and honestly the movie could probably have been the same without her showing up. Oh well...
If I had one more complaint, it would be that the plot was quite predictable, and there were no twist or surprises. No cameos as well. But that's it. I can't think I anything else I didn't like.
Overall, this a very solid movie, full with exciting action pieces, compelling characters and beautiful visuals. I'd say it's the perfect family movie or blockbuster movie and if you have the time, which you should have (it's Christmas), you should definitely give this movie a try.