Movie Review: Aquaman

Throughout the years, we have come to see some version of the legendary city of Atlantis, but nothing comes close to what director James Wan has created in "Aquaman", the perfect union of technology and myth, this version of Atlantis is like a dream. 

It's not just colorful, the lights create a visual feast which will leave your mouth wide open for a long duration of the movie, there are so many scenes and shots that either looks like a painting, so beautiful it can just be framed and put up or would go nicely as a wallpaper on your cellphone. You can tell that each scene, each shot was really well thought of, the palette of colors that were used are truly the work of an  artist. 

But "Aquaman" is more than just a "pretty movie" it also has a solid story that actually reads like a story book, not a bedtime story for you to fall asleep but an exciting one, filled with epic battles, exhilarating roof top chases and a journey across the seven seas. 

One year after the events of "Justice League" - trouble is brewing under the sea as King Orm (Patrick Wilson) is preparing an attack on the surface world. (You know, to teach us humans a lesson, for polluting and destroying the seas) and the only way to stop him is to challenge his claim to the throne, which is why Mera (Amber Heard) searches for Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) AKA 'Aquaman' - who is Orm's half brother. 

Never fully accepting his Atlantean heritage. Arthur is reluctant to challenge his younger brother and take his rightful place as King, yet circumstances leave him no choice as the eminent attack from Orm will undoubtedly destroy the surface world. 

Accompanied by Mera, Arthur goes on a quest to find the trident of Atlan (the first ruler of Atlantis) which in his possession will give him power over the seven seas and will allow him to defeat Orm but he must first prove himself worthy of becoming King. 

Now this is the stuff of legends, this is a genuine super hero movie with a complete and concise narrative, an exciting adventure you would want to be a part of. That Italian roof top chase scene is pure genius. Yet more than just the exhilarating action is a story about family and forgiveness about coming to terms with one's identity, no matter how different or far apart your roots may come. The film carries an important message of diversity and representation, which in today's times is very important.

As Director James Wan said during the recent Aquaman Asian Press Conference, you cannot have a movie about "Aquaman" without touching on issues about the environment and the film does just that. Speaking of director James Wan, he also bring his horror roots to the film, that "Trench" scene will make you jump from your seat and working yourself to it's edge with suspence and anticipation, all the while bringing something eerily beautiful on the screen. 

Shout out to Amber Heard's Mera, I love how she was not just a sidekick to Aquaman, that she's her own Hero, a diplomat and a warrior. We want more Mera!

I appreciate that we see a growth in Arthur, while he may have been brash and cocky before, he learns an important lesson which makes him a deserving King and an even better Hero. 

10/10 don't miss this movie, which deserves multiple screenings on the biggest screens. 

Aquaman is now showing.