Review: ‘Aquaman 2’ as epic as ‘Avatar,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’
MANILA, Philippines — Besides gauging how much screen time Amber Heard was given as Mera after her controversial legal battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp, there are many reasons to watch “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” or simply “Aquaman 2,” in theaters, and not just let it pass by as another superhero movie you’d rather wait to become available for online streaming.
For one, “Aquaman 2” could be director James Wan’s best yet that could easily catapult him into the echelons of Peter Jackson and James Cameron for making “Aquaman 2” as epic and as equally superb, intense and heart-warming as Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and Cameron’s “Avatar.” In terms of visual effects and believability, “Aquaman 2” is also at par with “Avatar” and “LOTR,” although these predecessors are a bit more superior in terms of clarity. There are admittedly some scenes in "Aquaman 2" that seem murky, but definitely, it is more than just the male, grownup version of "Little Mermaid" even if they both touch on fantasy underwater worlds and royalty.
The fact that Wan is of Asian descent makes it all the more a proud moment for Filipinos and Asians to watch “Avatar 2.” Asians are also given more prominent representation and positive portrayal in “Avatar 2” than many other epic films.
Jason Momoa as the titular character is convincing as the best of both worlds not only as a son of both the land and the sea, but also by being both funny and fearsome – soft and caring as the father, son and brother in Arthur Curry, but also firm and powerful as King of Atlantis.
Although the “Aquaman 2” plot confirms to certain moviemaking formulas like family drama, villain kidnapping the hero’s child and hero coming to the rescue, and of course, good prevailing over evil, the flick has many uncanny and unpredictable moments, too. One of which is the very cool way of how Arthur introduced himself as Aquaman, which is very much Momoa's real personality and also, kind of the DC version of how in the rival Marvel, Wakanda trumpeted itself to the world.
Patrick Wilson’s return as Orm is another great thing that makes “Aquaman 2” among the best movies this year and in years. In here, he shows that he truly is Aquaman’s brother not only by looks and fighting prowess, but also by heart and humor. Like Wan, with whom Wilson has been a favorite collaborator since the director’s “Conjuring” days, Wilson showcases his flexibility as a master of both horror and action genres in the “Aquaman” franchise.
Like in the first “Aquaman,” Wan has again injected his signature horror elements in the second installment. “Aquaman 2” has been successful with intense battle scenes and multiple climaxes that take audiences to the edge of their seats, only to pull them back immediately again like in a rollercoaster ride.
Seeing Heard again as Mera also stirs a mix of emotions. There is a side to it that brings to mind the scandals she had with Depp, convoluted by the fact that “Aquaman 2” has a certain shade against pirates, when one consequence of the mess Heard made with Depp is Depp losing his beloved Captain Jack Sparrow role in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Heard might have lost to Depp in court, but in “Aquaman 2,” she has been vindicated and even wins.
If one is to look at Heard in the movie merely as an actress regardless of her personal life, she and Nicole Kidman are the embodiments of total women and women empowerment – beautiful, loving and caring as mothers, yet mighty, formidable and never just the damsels in distress. They are even the ones rescuing the men in many occasions.
As such, “Aquaman 2” has also been effective in blurring the lines in gender differences. The title and the poster might be very macho or testosterone-charged, but the film also glorifies men who find strength from their fragility as an orphan or a single parent.
For espousing strong family ties and values, and addressing the very timely issue of climate change, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is very deserving of its PG (parental guidance) rating and as a must-see masterpiece for Christmas and beyond.
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" will continue playing in IMAX theaters nationwide, in 4DX and Uptown Tempur Cinema in Uptown Mall in Taguig City, during the Metro Manila Film Festival from December 25 to January 7. The Aquaman Tunnel Experience in SM Mall of Asia is also open to the public until December 31.
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