In this latest instalment in the DC ‘cinematic universe’, a lonely lighthouse keeper, Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), finds the Queen of Atlantis, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), washed up on the rocks.
Through their whirlwind romance, a new heir to Atlantis is born – Arthur (Jason Momoa).
Many years later Arthur becomes ‘Aquaman’, known for taking down baddies across the seven seas.
Called upon by Mera (Amber Heard) to bring peace to the world, Arthur is forced to contend with the dastardly King Orm (Patrick Wilson) and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II).
Aquaman deserves some credit for pulling together an array of neat ideas, fun action sequences, and spectacular visuals.
Thanks to director James Wan (known for Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring, and Furious 7), each scene is shot masterfully.
Favouring wide angles and extended tracking shots over quick cuts and shaky-cam, Wan makes Aquaman and the movie’s many other characters look effective in battle.
The massive, CGI-laden set-pieces in the third act are a joy to behold.
However, at an exhaustive 143 minutes, Aquaman outstays its welcome well before the climax.
Working off an overstuffed script, Wan and his top-notch cast are given thin plot-lines and underdeveloped characters.
Despite being charismatic in the role, Momoa struggles to develop chemistry with Heard; their scenes together are more awkward than enjoyable.
Although diverting at times, Aquaman pales in comparison to others like it.
Bumblebee
Ordered by Autobots leader Optimus Prime to flee from Cybertron, Bumblebee crash lands in California.
Lovable loner Charlie Watson (Hailee Steinfeld) fixes a busted-up yellow Volkswagen Beetle, without knowing where it really came from.
In almost every way, Bumblebee outshines the five Michael Bay-directed Transformers movies.
Nostalgic for the original animated series, director Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings) handles the plot and characters with a deft touch.
Many will find the movie’s parallels to ET: The Extra Terrestrial and The Iron Giant irritating, while others will enjoy it regardless.
Steinfeld shines as a leading lady, while John Cena and John Ortiz are delightful as two of the movie’s main antagonists.
Movie-goers and Transformers fans will have a blast throughout Bumblebee this holiday season.
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