Director: James Wan
Starring: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman
Movie Length: 2 hours 4 minutes
What it’s about: A sequel to 2018’s Aquaman movie. This movie brings back Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta as the main villain (as was hinted at in the first movie) as he searches for the lost seventh kingdom of the seas while seeking revenge on Arthur/Aquaman’s killing of his father.
What Dan thought: While the first Aquaman movie was a fun ride and introduction to the underwater part of the DCEU (R.I.P. the DCEU), this one didn’t deliver as well as the first in terms of lightheartedness and comedic aspects. While the first one set up Arthur Curry as one enjoyed drinking and didn’t want the throne, this one one sees him as a father and family man while also being the King of Atlantis. The underwater scenes were gorgeous as expected with James Wan returning to the director’s chair.
Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta was a formidable foe for Arthur/Aquaman thanks to the black trident he wields. Momoa’s portrayal was one of the few highlights of the movie once again with the other main supporting cast having very minor roles. Some of the highlights of the supporting cast include Randall Park (who made the jump over from various MCU productions for this movie), and Martin Short in a voice only role.
There is one mid-credit scene but it’s a little gross and doesn’t set anything up at all, so if you want to leave when the credits begin, you won’t miss anything.
Dan’s rating: 6/10. It was a decent sendoff to the DCEU before James Gunn and company overhaul it beginning with 2025’s Superman: Legacy. If you do want to see it in the theaters, do see it in IMAX though.
