Editor’s note: Welcome to 2019! We hope that you have a relaxing day. Maybe take in a movie while you’re recovering from whatever celebration that you had last night?
Welcome back to Sound Off!, a semi-regular column where members of Speculative Chic gather together to chat about the latest BIG THING in entertainment. This time, join us in the water and discuss Aquaman, which premiered in the United States on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Sound Off! is meant to be a reaction, but not necessarily a review. After all, while we are all individuals, even mutual love of something (or hate) can come from different places: you may find everything from critique to fangirling to maybe even hate-watching.
Now, join J.L. Gribble as she talks about Aquaman. [Note: Spoiler-free!]
J.L.: Let’s be honest, here. I only saw this movie for Jason Momoa. I’ve been a fan of his before it was cool, back when he played Ronan Dex in Stargate Atlantis. My husband, my usual movie companion, didn’t even see this with me.
As a huge Marvel fan, I feel a certain amount of schadenfreude while watching the DC Cinematic Universe films. They try their best, they really do. But even all the explosions and CGI in the world can’t fix a script with significant problems. Too many of the characters’ decisions seem to revolve around how best to set up ridiculous fight scenes and epic set pieces rather than move the plot along in a manner involving something as mundane as logic. Ironically, the title character himself does not fall into this trap nearly as much. It’s like Arthur Curry is my audience stand-in, wandering through the story as a normal dude who is just as bemused at all the ridiculousness as I was.
Even though I had significant QUESTIONS about a lot of the world-building, the movie’s creators did their best cramming as much as possible into the time allotted. I was actually quite interested in the history of Atlantis, and how the empire broke into different factors. On the surface level, things work, but it’s only when you start to squint that things fall apart. (I tried not to squint too much.)
A few more random thoughts: There is absolutely zero chemistry between Arthur and the romantic lead whose name I have already forgotten less than a day after seeing the movie. All opinion of her is overwhelmed by that ridiculous red hair. And the less said about the subplot involving pirates, the better. Again: decision-making that leads to fight scenes rather than common sense. Should have saved Manta for the sequel.
All things being equal, the people I saw the movie with loved it. As with anything, your mileage may vary. But if you’re only watching it to see Jason Momoa being attractive between some gorgeous rendering of underwater worlds? I suppose there are worse ways to spend a few hours.