Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman 2 (played by Jason Momoa), is currently preoccupied with his duties as the King of Atlantis, alongside being a husband and a father. Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, he perseveres. However, a pressing issue emerges.
A mysterious oceanic plague spreads, coinciding with the increasing surface world temperatures. These circumstances appear to be linked to Black Manta (portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), Aquaman 2 longstanding adversary who now wields the mystical powers of the Black Trident.
Without hesitation, Aquaman swiftly devises a plan to confront this malevolent force, aided by his wife, Mera (played by Amber Heard), and his mother, Atlanna (portrayed by Nicole Kidman). The escalating situation compels Aquaman to reluctantly seek help from his half-brother, Orm (portrayed by Patrick Wilson).
The latest adventure of Aquaman 2 unfolds in the film “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” currently showing in Indonesian cinemas. This movie serves as a sequel to the 2018 film “Aquaman,” both directed by James Wan.
The storyline formula of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” might not bring novelty or originality to the superhero cinema landscape. The dynamics of sibling relationships, where initially opposing siblings become allies, have been previously explored in other superhero films.
Nonetheless, audiences are likely to enjoy “Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom,” primarily due to its continuous light-hearted humor throughout. Despite its runtime of over two hours, the fast-paced narrative swiftly transitions from one scene to another, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.
Jason Momoa’s ‘carefree’ style and distinctive comedic actions add to the film’s charm. He delivers numerous contemporary jokes, even referencing characters from rival superhero films, while the interactions between Aquaman and Orm are filled with amusing moments, aiming to establish familiarity.
Somewhat unsettling is the limited involvement of Mera’s character (Amber Heard) within the storyline. Although the character is present, her dialogues and scenes seem intentionally understated, possibly influenced by studio decisions.
Another aspect that might leave the audience wanting is the resolution of the main conflict, which appears somewhat too easily achieved and could have been explored with greater depth. This leaves the climax of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” lacking the intended impact on viewers.
Certain scenes exhibit abrupt transitions that seem less logical, and some CGI effects lack conviction, which can be mildly distracting. Nevertheless, disregarding these issues, the film caters to audiences aged 13 and above, providing entertainment with a touch of environmental themes. There is a single post-credit scene, although it’s advisable not to set overly high expectations for it.
