2018’s “Aquaman” was such a fun, and out of left gate adaptation of an often lampooned character. It was fun but also took the material seriously. With “The Lost Kingdom,” opts for a just fine follow up that had all the seeds of an epic book end to the DCEU. Along with being a complete tonal mess from head to toe, “The Lost Kingdom” is a poorly conceived follow up that continues the tradition of DCEU heroes that do nothing but bellyache about being super powered Gods that can actually help people.
We saw it two fold with Superman and Batman in “Dawn of Justice,” Wonder Woman did it in “Wonder Woman 1984.” Now Aquaman evolves from a reluctant king fighting for the legacy of his race, to a mopy, buffoonish, sad sack who finds being the king of Atlantis an utter burden.
Why should we even root for a character that, even after his big quest, still isn’t too happy about having to rule over Atlantis? We’re then re-introduced to Ocean Master/King Orm who becomes the reluctant ally to Aquaman to stop Black Manta. Inadvertently the dynamic becomes so ridiculously skewed that by the time the second half rolls around we’re rooting more for King Orm than we are Aquaman.
After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction.
James Wan’s second outing in to this universe seems to just be going through the motions; the writers concoct a great idea, and build higher stakes for Aquaman and Mera, they but drop any and all dramatic tones and urgency at the door in favor of silliness that destroys the momentum of the narrative. Just as the narrative takes a considerably predictable route involving magic blood, and Aquaman’s newborn son, the movie still refuses to get serious and allow for a stern adventure, instead opting for more goofy humor and an Aquaman who can’t seem to take anything remotely serious. Plot threads are dropped or ignored mid-way, new characters are terribly under developed, and the climax is so abrupt.
For all intents and purposes, there are some fun concepts introduced including the Black Trident, Aqaman’s son, as well as evolving King Orm in to an unlikely anti-hero. Patrick Wilson saves the movie carrying the dynamic with him and Jason Momoa on his back. I also loved the return of Black Manta as well as the final battle between the two foes. Sadly, so much of that good stuff is spread thin in a lot of what feels like filler and a disservice to a character that has proven to be engaging and epic when given a chance.