MOVIE REPORT CARD: AQUAMAN

Date: 12/21/18
Title: Aquaman
Director: James Wan
Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

GRADES

ACTING: 85
DIRECTING: 90
SCREENPLAY: 75
EDITING: 85
CINEMATOGRAPHY: 100
MUSIC: 90

FINAL: 88/B+

COMMENTS

So, how do you do an Aquaman movie? James Wan's take, is the best possible way to do it. Aquaman has no business being as good as it is. Wan's film is loud, sometimes dumb, often times dense with Shakespearean-like power struggles, utterly bananas, and bombastic spectacle. The biggest quality it has going for it though, is just plain, simple fun. Yes, Aquaman isn't going to win any accolades when it comes to story. However, it's a character that's been around for 70+ years. The cliche' throne-power-struggle aspect, works for what the film does. Wan, gleefully embraces the silliness of the content, and also grounds it into reality. Anchoring all of this, is a pretty stellar cast. Jason Momoa, is wonderful as the titular character. He brings Aquaman into a new light. Gone are the days of Aquaman being a joke. Momoa, exudes presence as the character. Amber Heard is also solid as Mera. She also gets to be pretty bad-ass in her own right here as well. Patrick Wilson, is totally chewing up the scenery here, as the lamenting sibling who believes he is the rightful heir to the throne. Aquaman is also a visual masterpiece. The effects and action here, are something wondrous to behold. Aquaman is bright, colorful and vibrant. Something we really haven't seen in the DCEU yet. While some aspects of Aquaman don't entirely land, overall, this thing is fantastic fun. It has a sense of wonder to it all as well, which make the experience all the better for it. Throw in a little surprising heart as well, and Aquaman is a solid time at the cinema.