The Stream: The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense and some questionable visual effects.

The Big Screen: Good action sequences add to the spectacle.

The Final Bill: An otherwise decent Aquaman sequel suffers from a confusing story and poor visual effects.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: James Wan
Writers: screenplay by David Leslie and Johnson-McGoldrick
Stars: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some language
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
Production Companies: Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, Atomic Monster, The Safran Company
Platform: In theaters December 22, 2023
Notable Trailers: Madame Web, The Fall Guy, Dune: Part Two, Furiosa

Hey, Streamers! I am not sure if anyone has been anticipating this Aquaman sequel, but it is here. Yes, just before Christmas, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was released in theaters. Just like Wakanda Forever and Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022, we return to the water to see what the Atlanteans are doing now that Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) is king. Here’s how it went.

In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Arthur Curry has been installed as the king of Atlantis since his brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), has been imprisoned for his crimes against Atlantis. Arthur is married to Mera (Amber Heard); and, they have a baby. Arthur is disillusioned and bored by his obligations as king until Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) returns to take revenge on Aquaman for the death of his father. Cue a black trident, evil minions and a tale of the lost kingdom of Necrus, and you have the latest DCEU installment. Underwater hijinks ensue.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is overstuffed. There is a lot of story that needs to be told, and the film squeezes it all into 2 hours. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but this movie is unfocused and leaves too many loose ends. First, the movie has to tell us what’s gone on since the last movie. Then, it has to establish the stakes of the current movie while also explaining the mythology of this new thing that is introduced. Finally, they have to reach a satisfying conclusion. Unfortunately, with all of this going on, it doesn’t make a lot of sense overall even if you are paying close attention. Moreover, the movie wants to have an environmental theme, but that is poorly executed and just shoehorned in.

Then, the movie attempts to cover a lot of the narrative problems with humor. The humor is not great. There is nothing funny about Aquaman’s quips. They are pretty lame. Also, Jason Momoa is trying too hard to make it work, and it just doesn’t. I’ll also note that the visual effects are pretty iffy. If you compare this movie to Avatar: The Way of Water, the underwater sequences look ridiculous and unimpressive. The colors are vibrant, but that’s about it. Now, the action sequences are good and pump some much needed energy into the movie. Momoa is impressive when he gets to be physical in this role. Patrick Wilson does have one funny moment, and he gets to participate in the fight scenes as well. Momoa and Wilson are pretty good when they are working together. In those moments, the film comes alive and will make you sit up in your seat, but they are too inconsistent overall.

Ultimately, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a decent Aquaman sequel, but I don’t think it is a necessary sequel. The story is too overstuffed and becomes confusing and ridiculous. The movie tries to infuse humor into it, but the jokes are pretty lame. The action sequences are good and entertaining, but the visual effects let it down. For those reasons, I’d suggest waiting for this movie to stream with a handful of popcorn.