TAGGED AS: DC Universe, dceu, Superheroes
Just when you thought that the DC Extended Universe was sunk, that not even Wonder Woman could save it, here comes Aquaman. With Jason Momoa reprising his role as the Atlantean superhero, James Wan’s partly underwater adventure is a blast, according to the first wave of critical reactions flooding social media. It’s apparently nuts in a good way, with spectacular visuals, and you’re going to want to see it in theaters.
Here’s what the critics are saying:
Aquaman is a buckwild movie… it’s completely unafraid to just go for it.
– Meg Downey, CBR
It’s unabashedly melodramatic and over the top with the largest, most ambitious sense of scale imaginable.
– Germain Lussier, io9
It’s so inherently bonkers that you’d have to be an utter killjoy to not get caught up in it.
– Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies
James Wan has made an unapologetically bold superhero flick, mixing adventure and fantasy elements with stunning visual effects.
– Carly Lane, SyFy Wire
It’s a good adventure movie that acknowledges exactly what it is from the start, which is a meal made almost entirely of ham.
– Spencer Perry, ComingSoon.net
(Photo by Warner Bros.)
Goofy in spots, but it’s rollicking fun.
– Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend
It’s at its best when it’s having fun and not taking itself too seriously.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Ambitious, campy and so much fun.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
Aquaman is… breathtakingly beautiful.
– Andrew Dyce, ScreenRant
James Wan and company put a lot of care into designing this corner of the DCEU. Atlantis looks gorgeous.
– Mike Cecchini, Den of Geek
It is a relentless visual spectacle that knows what it is and doesn’t hold back.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
Aquaman is the best DC movie since The Dark Knight.
– Tom Jorgensen, IGN Movies
2nd best DCU movie. YEEEAAHH!
– Germain Lussier, io9
It’s definitely one of the best DC Universe movies thus far.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
(Photo by Warner Bros.)
It’s another step in the right direction for the DCEU and shows how different/distinct the tones of these movies can be while still existing together.
– Mike Cecchini, Den of Geek
A great step for the DCEU.
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
WB should be handing the DCEU reins to James Wan, he’s proven he can, ahem, right the ship.
– Tom Jorgensen, IGN Movies
It [has] a great hero arc/performance from Jason Momoa.
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
[Has] a terrific lead in Jason Momoa (who’s clearly having the time of his life).
– Carly Lane, SyFy Wire
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard are fantastic together, both bringing a ton of humor.
– Jimmy O, JoBlo’s Movie Emporium
Amber Heard and Jason Momoa are great together. They bounce off each other with such ease.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
(Photo by Warner Bros.)
Black Manta is great villain that comic book fans will love.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Black Manta was a dope villain and his suit looked incredible. I just wish he got a bit more love.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
Feels like a Marvel phase one movie, in a good way.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Imagine ’80s Schwarzenegger starring in “Hideo Kojima’s Avatar” and you’re most of the way there.
– Andrew Dyce, ScreenRant
Aquaman is like an 80s cartoon, with all of the fun and the problems that come with that.
– Spencer Perry, ComingSoon.net
Aquaman is better than expected.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Against all odds, I really dug Aquaman, which offers thrills chills and a whole lotta adventure for the whole family!” .
– Scott Wampler, Birth.Movies.Death.
It was exactly what I was hoping for and I can’t wait to see it again!
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
(Photo by Warner Bros.)
Second half’s one cheer/laugh after another.
– Andrew Dyce, ScreenRant
Third act battle that doesn’t devolve into the typical comic book movie blah trap, and is surprisingly ambitious.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Parts of it are kind of bad but they are not the majority and, oddly, still fit in with the cartoony tone.
– Germain Lussier, io9
A lot of the aspects I didn’t like can probably be traced back to decisions Snyder made that were inherited by Wan.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
It’s flawed, but fun.
– Mike Rougeau, GameSpot
It’s one terrific adventure.
– Jimmy O, JoBlo’s Movie Emporium
An absolute blast.
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
Aquaman opens everywhere on December 21.