A Visually Dazzling, Yet Overstuffed Spectacle!

Rating: 6/10 (14 December 2018)

Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, 'Aquaman' is the big DC Blockbuster that finally opened in cinemas today in India. Directed by James Wan, best known for helming the spooky Conjuring Series, now delves into the Superhero mold and delivers a visual spectacle. Wan, however, suffers partially on the account of an Overstuffed Screenplay, that is patchy and overlong.
'Aquaman' Synopsis: Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa in a winning performance) the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, must step forward to lead his people against his half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.
'Aquaman', who appeared in last year's disappointing Justice League, gets his solo origin story here and the Superhero is an instantly likable one. And Momoa gets into the skin of the superhero and delivers a fun turn, that leads 'Aquaman' to much success. Momoa not only looks the part, but brings a fabulous heroism to the part, which was essential here.
Another ace of 'Aquaman' are its visuals. This biggie looks like a dream! The world created underwater is dreamy and will leave your eyes mesmerized. The Graphics are of top-grade, and 'Aquaman' is easily the BEST looking DC film, yet! And the action-sequences, though way too many, are proficiently picturised and executed. Some of the stunts are wow! I'd like to point the one sequence that takes place in Italy in the film's latter half. Its stupendous!
However, despite magnificent visuals and Momoa nailing the titular role, 'Aquaman' suffers due to an overstuffed Screenplay. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick & Will Beall's Screenplay brings much action and a fast-moving narrative, but has no soul. Sure, 'Aquaman' wasn't going to be an experience full of pathos and soul, but here, there is none of it, not even a slight bit of it. The film keeps moving forward, not giving enough time to its characters to make them connect with the viewers, and there is just too much action here! I mean the action does leave a big impact, but there is an overdose of it here, quite frankly. It appears as if the Writers ran of out ideas in the middle, and kept writing action set-pieces until they found another aspect to continue upon. And there is barely any humor here, which is surprising, since Momoa seems to be good at being funny! The Writing could've been better, for sure!
James Wan's Direction is top-notch. As mentioned earlier, 'Aquaman' is a visual delight and the Director gives the film the look it deserves. This is a grand film and looks every bit of it. Don Burgess's Cinematography is fantastic. The lensman has captured the film beautifully. Kirk Morri's Editing is decent, but could've been crisper. 'Aquaman' feels a little too long at a 143-minutes, some trimming, of at least 20-minutes, was required. Art & Costume Design are perfect. Rupert Gregson-Williams's Score is super.
Barring Momoa, 'Aquaman' boasts an impressive host of actors, but the ones who stand out are Patrick Wilson (impressive as the villain) & Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko (efficient in a strong supporting role). Amber Heard as Mera, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus & Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, are adequate.
On the whole, 'Aquaman' is definitely fun, but it doesn't utilize its potential to the fullest. A Decent Watch!