Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom review: 'never attempts anything original or honest'

Jason Mamoa headlines the sequel 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom', a film that fails to break new ground or deliver an authentic narrative. A decade ago, Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' pioneered the shared universe concept for DC's superheroes. The franchise has experienced highs and lows, with the last four DC films - 'Black Adam', 'Shazam: Fury of the Gods', 'The Flash' and 'Blue Beetle' - being disappointments. Consequently, Warner Bros is rebooting DC's cinematic universe, commencing with James Gunn's 'Superman: Legacy' in 2025. This implies that 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' is the final film in the continuity that started in 2013.

The sequel to 2018's 'Aquaman' is not particularly terrible. It boasts a unique, cartoonish underwater setting that distinguishes it from other superhero films, albeit bearing a striking resemblance to 'The Little Mermaid'. The film is action-packed, featuring explosions, fight sequences, and witty remarks typical of contemporary superhero blockbusters. However, the film lacks the fun, thrill, or emotional depth to warrant further sequels. The first 'Aquaman' film grossed over a billion dollars at the box office, providing a clear incentive for a sequel. However, the sequel fails to justify its existence or hint at a compelling narrative.

The film opens with a potentially resonant theme: Arthur Curry, portrayed by Jason Momoa, grappling with the reality that being the King of Atlantis is not as glamorous as it seems. He struggles to convince the Atlantean council to reveal their existence to surface dwellers, a conflict reminiscent of Marvel’s 'Black Panther'. He is also preoccupied with raising his infant son, who resides on dry land with Arthur's human father. Arthur's wife Mera, played by Amber Heard, is of little assistance. Most of Heard's scenes have been edited out, reducing her role to a mere cameo. The film then veers into a convoluted plot involving Arthur's quest to defeat Manta, a villain with a magical weapon. However, the narrative lacks originality and honesty, echoing the clichéd tropes of other superhero films.