Delightfully Fun

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2018)

Well, they managed to make Aquaman cool.
I don't say that lightly, either. The superhero with the odds-on worst reputation of all has been redeemed by a talented leading man and a sound director. James Wan's work with this script managed to blend high action, character development, and tremendous visuals, with a smattering of utter ridiculousness for good measure.
Jason Momoa is the star, but Amber Heard cannot be overlooked, as her character is the one that drives the plot, and not as the love interest. Wan did his homework, and ensured that Mera was more than eye candy or a damsel in distress. She is a butt-kicker, and more intuitive than Arthur is for most of the movie.
Arthur is done consistently with what we got of him in Justice League, but fleshed out more, and Momoa is up to the challenge of doing more with a guy who to this point had been a hard drinking nobody who could fire off the occasional wisecrack. The backstory he is given is less tragic than many other superheroes tend to get, complete with one guaranteed living parent. Kind of an odd fact in this genre.
Patrick Wilson is definitely committed as the would-be Ocean Master, and brings a hammy gravitas to the role, as though he understands how ridiculous he is and plays it up at every opportunity. This should make him cheesy, but instead it makes him more distasteful, adding to the strength of the performance.
Black Manta is another good choice, and his part in the film is helpful at moving the plot along, and bringing more action. His anger, and unfettered rage for revenge makes him a good, gritty villain to counterbalance the others.
The action is fantastic, and the scale on which it is done in many scenes is great. But at no point do you lose track of Arthur or Mera as they get through it all.
Like Wonder Woman, this is an example of what the DCEU can be when it is given to directors and writers who are of quality, and there's less Zack Snyder.