That being said, there are quite a few similarities between the two films. We're exploring a realm widely regarded as myth, with a protagonist whose journey is aided by a parental figure, mentor, and love interest, and facing two adversaries, one being a pawn and the other being of relation to the hero. Despite all that though, "Aquaman" does enough to help the film stand out on its own, making some twists and subverting expectations in ways I didn't expect.
Like "Wonder Woman", we have the "fish out of water" scenario (pun intended), but there are actually two in this film. Between Arthur and Mera, they're both exploring the other's world. Mera spends an extended amount of time on the surface world and grows a deeper appreciation for it despite its faults. As for Arthur, this is his first time actually seeing Atlantis and learning of its ways.
Much like Arthur, this is the audience's first time seeing Atlantis of the DCEU, and I found it absolutely gorgeous and it's a shame the screening wasn't in 3D. Like I said in my "Justice League" review, I really wish "Aquaman" had come out beforehand so we can really appreciate the side of Arthur where his powers come from. Granted Arthur is in a much different place by the end of the movie compared to how we see him in "Justice League", but I feel it would have been altered easily without effecting the overall narrative of both films.
Aside from the city of Atlantis, there are plenty of other visual treats to entice people. The scenes set in the sea are so well done that you'll actually feel like you're under water, from the waviness of the screen, the distortion of the actors' voices, right down to dust floating around. There are also a variety of different creatures besides the Atlanteans, from the sea creatures they use to fight and travel (including giant seahorses), tribes like the Fishermen and the Brine, and the giant Karathen. The most terrifying creatures though are the Trench, savage creatures that allow director James Wan to make use of his horror roots in a scene where they're chasing after Arthur and Mera on their boat and in the water; even though you know they'll make it, you're still scared for them. And while it's a minor effect, I was just so happy to see the telepathic ring that appears when Arthur uses his telepathy to communicate with sea life just like in the cartoons. Combining all of this makes for one of the most visually stunning action climaxes I've seen in film.
The fight scenes aren't just limited to the underwater scenes though, as there's plenty of action to be had on land as well. The opening fight scene with Arthur making his way through pirates hijacking a submarine is brutally fun, and I find it comparable to Batman's warehouse fight in "Batman v Superman" and Diana's No Man's Land scene in "Wonder Woman"; just a brilliant showcase of the hero's abilities. Much like Arthur, both Mera and his mother Atlanna are shown to be capable fighters themselves, proving them to be certified badasses.
While Jason Momoa was entertaining in "Justice League", a lot of people weren't too keen on his performance as the so called "Aquabro." I feel like this film will help him win some people over though, as we view Arthur's journey to becoming the hero and king comic fans know him to be, and I definitely see why Momoa was picked for the role way back for when it was just a cameo in "Batman v Superman". Also, I felt a lot of joy seeing him wear the classic Aquaman suit and him riding a seahorse.
As I said, Mera is just as capable a hero as Arthur, and it's helped by Amber Heard's portrayal of the character. Her development is much like Arthur's as we watch her drop the armor of her Atlantean ways and her views broadening. Watching the two progress together helps add to their chemistry, making for a literal king and queen powerhouse couple for the DCEU.
Momoa's chemistry also expands to his father Thomas, play by Temuera Morrison (who played Jango Fett in "Attack of the Clones"), and his Atlantean mentor Vulko, played by Willem Dafoe (who played Norman Osborn in the original Spider-Man trilogy). Seeing them act with Momoa's Arthur really made me believe the history they shared together, whether it be father and son drinking together, or a mentor trying to help his pupil reach their full potential. Also, I give props to the people who worked on their digital de-aging to make them look younger for flashback scenes; it's amazing how far special effects technology has come.
King Orm/Ocean Master, played by Patrick Wilson isn't really a standout villain to me, but he offers a good foil to Arthur. Besides their appearances and tolerance to accept others, while Arthur knows how to have some fun and has never really had much obligation to anything, Orm is very serious in his role as king and nothing is off the table in his goal to see his people flourish. Their differences are best exemplified in the interaction the two have just before their duel surrounded by a ring of underwater lava. Without spoiling much, the film does seem to imply potential redemption for Orm in future films.
When it comes to villains though, that show is stolen by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta. His motivation for revenge against Aquaman is established from the submarine hijacking scene mentioned before that ends with his father being killed. Already working for Orm, he forgoes any monetary payment, only wanting revenge for his father. He's given Atlantean technology, which he fashions into the costume he's well known for. This leads to their battle in Sicily, and he looks spectacular in action. I look forward to him appearing in future Aquaman films, and maybe even part of the Legion of Doom if we ever get a Justice League sequel.
Overall, "Aquaman" is a fun ride with great visual effects and amazing chemistry between actors, boding a promising direction for the future of the DCEU and proving how much success can be had when filmmakers' visions aren't interfered with by the studio. If you see one more movie before the year is out, make it worthwhile with the king of the sea.
My DC Extended Universe Film Rankings:
1. Aquaman
2. Wonder Woman
3. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
4. Man of Steel
5. Justice League
6. Suicide Squad
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