Meh

Rating: 7/10 (27 January 2019)

Didn't expect much and wasn't really disappointed.

The story was 100% predictable. Everything was obvious from the start and there was really nothing the movie could've impressed me with.

Around 70% of the dialogue was expository, 20% was people saying really stupid things and 10% of really awkward humor. I did laugh at some of the lines though, but those were unintentionally funny. They did sometimes make fun of some things showing that they are aware of some of the stupidities they have there only to stay true to the source material. They did, however, spend a lot of effort to make sure you understand everything that is going on. Everything that happens or even gets mentioned is explained in a flashback scene or by characters in full. Even before the giant sea beast attacks it makes sure to give you some exposition at first.

Most of the visuals were ok but not very creative or interesting. They did have some good ones though, like 2 or 3. From the top of my head, the starting lighthouse fight scene was cool, the trench dive and the wine magic scenes were also pleasant to the eye.

Most of the acting was good (would've been strange if it was otherwise with such cast). Except for our two leads, Mera and Arthur. I didn't like both Aquaman as a character and Momoa's performance. First they set him up as a guy with super powers and an enormous ego. I though this was made intentionally to show his path and his growth as a character in the end. But this wasn't the case, he just was lucky to get a better weapon and randomly rescue his mom in the process (side quests, right?). He's still the same egocentric guy with super powers. And this is pretty much what he was, the movie even emphasizes on that since the ending is extremely dull, they even go for the basic "become the king and get the girl" thing. Super one-dimensional. I'm not familiar with the source material so maybe this was just them staying loyal (just as having a laughable costume for the Black Manta).

Mera's motivation as a character was unclear yet she seems to care so much (not sure about what particularly) throughout the movie. She was ruined mostly by Amber Heard's performance. She was horrible, she didn't care for a second about her acting and it was obvious. They did gave her nothing to work with though, she's just a plot device, a girl the main guy gets in the end. At least I did enjoy her costume :)

There was also some sort of an environmental message but it was so bleak I almost forgot about this when I finished the movie.

The main problem of this movie is that it's around 7 years late. This would've worked so much better if made around 2012. The hero is not impressive, the story is not particularly interesting, the lore is stupid and unintentionally funny.

They did know what they were doing and there clues in the movie to substantiate that. I don't think that there was a better way to make an Aquaman movie, but this is still instantly forgettable.