AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM Review and Rating
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a 2023 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Aquaman. It is the sequel to the 2018 film Aquaman and is directed by James Wan, with a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall. The film stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius / Ocean Master, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna.
Plot
The film follows Aquaman as he faces a new threat to Atlantis and the world. Black Manta has returned, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, and he is determined to take revenge on Aquaman for the death of his father. Aquaman must forge an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis, in order to stop Black Manta and save the world from an ancient and malevolent force.
Reception
The film has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 48% based on 237 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The consensus on the site reads: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom falls short of its predecessor’s aquatic charm, offering repetitive action and a muddled plot that can’t keep up with its visual spectacle.”
- What the critics liked
- The film’s visual effects
- Jason Momoa’s performance
- The action sequences
- What the critics didn’t like
- The film’s plot
- The performances of the supporting cast
- The film’s pacing
Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a visually stunning film with some exciting action sequences. However, the film’s plot is muddled and the performances of the supporting cast are underwhelming. If you’re a fan of the first Aquaman film, you may enjoy this sequel. However, if you’re looking for a superhero film with a strong story and well-developed characters, you may be disappointed.
Here are some Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom additional points to consider:
- The film’s release was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The film was originally going to be titled Aquaman 2, but the title was changed to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in August 2023.
- The film is the first DCEU film to be released since The Flash.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s rating depends on where you look and what aspects you value:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 48% with an average rating of 5.2/10, indicating mixed reviews leaning towards negative.
- Metacritic: 45 out of 100 based on 37 reviews, also indicating mixed or average reviews.
- Audience score on Cinemascore: B, which is generally considered good but not great.
Here’s a breakdown of its reception:
- Strengths: Visually stunning with exciting action sequences, Jason Momoa’s charismatic performance.
- Weaknesses: Muddled and repetitive plot, underwhelming supporting cast performances, uneven pacing.
Ultimately, whether you’ll enjoy the film depends on your preferences:
- If you prioritize visual spectacle and action, you might find it entertaining.
- If you value a strong story and well-developed characters, you might be disappointed.
Here are some additional resources to help you decide:
- Read the full reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic for more detailed critiques.
- Watch the trailer to get a sense of the film’s tone and visuals.
- Consider reading reviews from critics whose taste aligns with yours.
I hope this information helps you decide whether Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is worth watching!