ReelBob: ‘Aquaman’ ★½
By Bob Bloom
Most movies either sink or swim on two main factors — performances and the script.
If that is the case, then it’s too late to toss “Aquaman” a life preserver.
The latest movie from the DC Universe is an embarrassing shamble that is highlighted by clunky dialogue, characters who constantly shout their dialogue and hackneyed CGI special effects that look as if interns created them.
The script plays like an elongated pitch meeting with ideas tossed about willy-nilly, hoping one would strike a responsive chord.
The movie is an origin story, even though we had a glimpse of Aquaman in “Batman v Superman: The Dawn of Justice,” and he was featured in “Justice League.”
The problem is Aquaman is a boring character. He swims fast, is strong and can mentally command fishes. He doesn’t wear a cape, fly, have super speed nor a green ring that can do most anything.
When I was reading comic books in the late 1950s and early and mid-1960s, Aquaman was an afterthought. His adventures were relegated to the back pages, tucked in behind Superman or some other superhero.
The movie, directed by James Wan, lacks a consistent tone; it doesn’t help that Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, the Aquaman, emits a surfer dude-like vibe, while most of the other cast members pose and spew dialogue as if they were in an epic spectacle such as “Gladiator” or “Spartacus.”
It also doesn’t bode well for the movie that the CGI makes most of the actors look as if they are participating in a PlayStation version of the movie.
“Aquaman” is a derivative heap; an observant movie buff will catch pieces from “Excalibur” and “Mysterious Island,” while a sequence of waves crashing and rocking a boat looks like scenes cribbed from “The Perfect Storm.”
The relationship between Aquaman and his half-brother, King Orm of Atlantis, makes you think of brothers Thor and Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
And it is sad to see such a fine actor as Willem Dafoe, wasting his time and talent in the cliched role as Aquaman’s teacher — sort of a saltwater Mr. Miyagi.
The only person who displays a spark of acting is Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna, Aquaman’s mother. At least she maintains her dignity.
The main plot deals with Orm’s plans to destroy the surface world, since, as he claims, its people are infesting the oceans with their pollution and garbage. He does have a point, but going directly to war without at least trying to have initial talks with world leaders does seem a bit extreme.
“Aquaman” features lots of stilted dialogue, some of which sounds recycled from other superhero origin stories. At one point, Aquaman actually says, “I do not play or work well with others.” It’s hard to believe someone got paid for writing that.
And the old saw about Aquaman being greater than a king — he needs to be a hero — also is dragged into the movie.
Plus, the now-often used ploy of seeing a character whom you thought dead reappearing also is repurposed.
Adding to the cacophony is an ominous and thunderous bass-and-percussion heavy score that shouts: LISTEN TO ME! THIS MOVIE IS IMPORTANT!!
Unfortunately, most of the movie is like that. Basically, “Aquaman” drowns in a turbulent sea of inept scripting, bombastic acting and familiar special effects.
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
AQUAMAN
1½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), science fiction action and violence, language