The past few years have been touch-and-go for Warner Bros. and their DC cinematic universe. Its opening attempts at iconic heroes Batman and Superman were met with derision, Suicide Squad famously did not live up to the madcap vision shown in early trailers, and Justice League, the tentpole of the franchise meant to rival Marvel‘s insane success with The Avengers, was only meh.
But early reviews suggest Aquaman, the studio’s latest output, could near 2017’s Wonder Woman as a high point of the DC project.
[jwplayer b7RZbrmf]
Reviewers shared their initial impressions this morning, praising the film’s fun approach to the source material, the performances of stars Jason Momoa and Amber Heard, and the buoyant direction of local legend James Wan.
Peter Sciretta of Slashfilm likened it to a “Marvel phase one movie,” which is a bloody decent compliment considering the box office onslaught caused by DC’s main rivals.
🔱 #Aquaman is better than expected. Feels like a Marvel phase one movie, in a good way. It’s at its best when it’s having fun and not taking itself too seriously. Black Manta is great villain that comic book fans will love. Some truly spectacular one shots and good action. pic.twitter.com/aTnc1QWk66
— /Film (@slashfilm) November 26, 2018
Brandon Davis of Comicbooks.com had a lot of time for the film’s apparent detours into fantasy territory, suggesting the kind of bombast most recently seen in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok.
#Aquaman is great. James Wan made a really unique super hero origin film, often crossing into fantasy-epic territory, but grounded in family and discovery.
The world is visually incredible. Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry is a total bad-ass. @yahya and @patrickwilson73 stand out! pic.twitter.com/2IvDCEq7VU
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) November 26, 2018
There were moments where I felt #Aquaman might be running a little long but it has SO much to unpack in building its own isolated world.
Huge, epic, unique, and stylish action-sequences balance the heavy exposition.
Movie isn’t out yet but I want more from Wan, Momoa, & co.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) November 26, 2018
Dan Of Geek’s Mike Cecchini mirrored those comments, advocating for the “’80’s fantasy/adventure movie vibe” of the project.
https://twitter.com/wayoutstuff/status/1067180148024377344
Positive reviews echoing those claims have proliferated since the embargo lifted, suggesting a big, fat W for a studio which has been struggling to find a unique tone for its heroic projects.
I’ll take some heat for this, but #Aquaman is the best Marvel movie that DC has made. That doesn’t mean it’s exactly like that formula, but it feels like a film that knows what it is, what it’s selling and who it’s selling to. There’s no identity crisis here.
— Arctic Ninja (@arcticninjapaul) November 26, 2018
Is it my favorite DCEU movie? Visually, yes. There are shots in this film that are friggin’ magnificent. I also think Wan’s action scenes – and the way he shoots them – are up there w/ the best of DC so far. Definitely Momoa’s best role and performance to date, too.
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) November 26, 2018
So I really enjoyed #Aquaman! James Wan has made an unapologetically bold superhero flick, mixing adventure and fantasy elements with stunning visual effects, a terrific lead in Jason Momoa (who’s clearly having the time of his life), and a great heroine in Amber Heard’s Mera. pic.twitter.com/V8bnw6mnCX
— Carly Lane-Perry 🥯 (@carlylane) November 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/RogueCheddar/status/1067176179793256448
Aquaman hits Australian cinema screens on Boxing Day, and if these early takes are anything to go by, DC might just have a happy new year.
