Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

It has to be said that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom struggles to find its place, caught between the tide of evolving expectations and the weight of its own ambitions. Despite the initial promise of a visually stunning underwater world and the return of director James Wan, this sequel fails to navigate the treacherous waters of a genre that demands innovation and narrative depth.

The film's premise, centered on the alliance between Aquaman and his former antagonist Orm to combat the menacing Black Manta, relies heavily on familiar superhero tropes. The decision to resurrect an old adversary and forge an uneasy partnership feels more like a narrative shortcut than a creative choice, a sentiment amplified by echoes of the dynamic between Thor and Loki in the Marvel universe. At a time when audiences are hungry for originality and nuanced storytelling, Aquaman and the Lost World seems to remain in the shadow of its predecessors.

Once again, Warner Bros. decided not to show the film to the online press to avoid a flood of bad feedback, and this is in keeping with the numerous reshoots carried out to make the film more edible. Although James Wan downplays the extent of these adjustments, skepticism persists, suggesting a possible struggle to strike the right chord with audiences. The resulting narrative can seem disjointed, with the film torn between honoring the success of its predecessor and charting a new course in the rebranded DC Extended Universe. 

Despite all this, the result is a real artistic failure, and we're almost tempted to prefer last year's The Flash sprti, which at least had the merit of paying a sincere tribute to the cinematic DC Universe. So it's easy to understand why Warner Bros wants to put an end to the DC cinematic universe, which has produced too many disappointing films in the eyes of true fans of comic books, superhero films and, more generally, blockbusters. We'd so much like to see such innovative films, kneaded with a genuine love for the genres by screenwriters and directors like Richard Donner (Superman (1978), Tim Burton (Batman (1989)). Worse still, this film seems to want to compete on their own turf with Marvel Studios films, but without passionate screenwriters, and in this respect David Leslie Johnson-Mcgoldrick is certainly a very poor choice, more at home writing a screenplay for a horror film or series than lending credibility to a superhero film eagerly awaited by many viewers.

The recurring motif of revenge for family grievances, embodied by Black Manta's quest, highlights a missed opportunity for the film to delve into more complex themes. As the superhero landscape continues to mature, audiences yearn for stories that transcend the traditional dichotomy between heroes and villains. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom risks alienating viewers with its adherence to narrative formula, leaving the broader narrative of the DC Universe in limbo as it attempts to redefine itself under James Gunn's vision.

Despite its difficulties, the film boasts commendable performances from the cast, with the character of Arthur Curry played by Jason Momoa retaining his charismatic presence. The underwater kingdom, though marred by inconsistent CGI, manages to capture moments of visual brilliance. As the fifteenth and final installment of the DC Extended Universe, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom stands at a crossroads. Its failure could not only influence Aquaman's future in this cinematic universe, but also serve as a litmus test for DC's ability to adapt to the changing landscape of superhero storytelling. 

The film's cinematic journey remains plunged into the depths of uncertainty, and in our eyes the film is a real disappointment. We've no doubt that the fact that James Gunn and Peter Safran are now back at the helm of a reboot of the Dc Cinematic Universe is excellent news, and we can't wait to discover their retelling of the Superman universe.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Directed by James Wan
Screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick
Story by James Wan, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett
Based on Characters from DC
Produced by Peter Safran, James Wan, Rob Cowan
Starring Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman
Cinematography : Don Burgess
Edited by Kirk Morri
Music by Rupert Gregson-Williams
Production companies : DC Studios, Atomic Monster, The Safran Company
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date : December 20, 2023 (France), December 22, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 124 minutes

Seen December 19, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle Imax seat E18

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