Aquaman (BD)

I didn't like Man of Steel because that wasn't Superman; at the end of the movie, it was painful to watch Kal-El wriggle out of an awkward conversation with the "excuse" that he could (finally!!) hear people "calling for help!" I didn't like the (yet another) reiteration of Batman that's part of the current DCEU because all of it went way too grimdark, just like Man of Steel. Now, Wonder Woman was AWESOME, unabashedly flat-out awesome, with a genuinely GOOD portrayal of sheltered Princess Diana suddenly confronted with the modern world (well, The Great War) ...but Gal Gadot did an awesome job blending innocence and growing up on myths & legends with the harder, harsher realities of what the world had become in the absence of the Amazons. (It was grimdark in some ways, but it was set during a genuine brutal war.)Aquaman...is what Wonder Woman was, but on the flip side of the coin...all while managing to retain high levels of awesome. Unlike Diana, who had to learn she was a hero/demigoddess, had to learn how to use her powers, Arthur KNOWS the modern world. More than that, he's already a hero in our world. He knows what it's like, he knows where he fits in. But now he suddenly has to save the world he thought had rejected and banished him on pain of execution? Unlike Wonder Woman, Aquaman lost his innocence about the uncaring world long ago. It's affected him. But just like her, he has to broaden his point of view to accept that there is far more to his role in life than he thought. And this film does it with humor, style, and one of the most awesome rooftop/city street DUAL fight sequences I've ever had the pleasure to watch. (From the choreography to the timing to the cinematography, it was all exceptionally well-done.)...The only question I have regarding the plot is (and trying not to spoiler anything), how did they get out of the place where they found that bottle? Did they find some barely functional equipment that could give them a ride? How much did poor Arthur have to sweat to get it functional? (I mean, I've heard of "succeeding by the sweat of your brow" before, but that was an awesome subtle pun! Also, yeah, I'm late to the party, but it's been a rough couple of years.)I really don't have much interest in seeing Superman or Batman (though Cavill is great as the Witcher; like Ryan Reynolds & Deadpool, Geralt of Rivia seems to be *the* character for him). But I will happily see a second Aquaman movie, same as I'll go see the Wonder Woman 1984 movie...if the damned virus will let us. (Speaking of which, STAY AT HOME WHEN THERE'S A PANDEMIC GOING ON, FOLKS! (Amazon is perfect for crises like this--I'll probably buy that one, too, if & when they release it straight to digital!))Anyway, TL;DR, totally worth the $$ to buy and watch this.Humor, action, tragedy, romance, awesomeness, a satisfying ending, yet with lots of room for more stories to come!

I came across the movie after I accidentally discovered the theme song, All I need by Skylar Grey, which BTW to me is probably going to be a classic song. Also reading the title I was sort of reminded of the director. I eventually decided to watch it after seeing several MVs of the song (most of course are clips & renderings of the movie). And I got to say I'm not disappointed, as my first DCEU movie. (I usually watch exclusively Marvel ones as they have just dominated at least in my circle for too long)So first of all, at least compared to Marvel & other superhero movies I watched. This IS very DIFFERENT. Compared to others it is a lot lighter and NOT that serious. In some ways, you can say that many other sci-fis are like nerds, (but are more like great teachers), as they talk about a lot of very crazy stuff with great amount of details and scientific reasoning, etc. Instead, this movie put a great emphasis on emotions, especially 'like father like son', both the lighthouse keeper & Arther himself had a very great relationship with their girls, Queen Atlenna and Princess Mera respectably. And yes, certain dialogues and scenes are so unserious that it almost seem parody-like. Such as when Mera murmured 'if you're the real king then we're really doomed', referring to how silly Arthur can be from time to time. And when the Queen woke up in the morning she interacted with that golden puppy. But my life experience tells me that those imperfections of a characters make them charismatic. Don't you see, (via YouTube pranks or others), that sometimes being a little 'silly' and 'annoying' makes some of the best couples. Especially when the guy acts a little 'silly' annoying his girlfriend or wife. And I know this statement is politically controversial itself, but we do see now, a lot of economic & political leaders gained popularity by NOT showing a bright, flawless (but distant side, that's why they win over those classic 'elite' challengers). So my advice is that if you want to enjoy this movie (or any movie in general), try to put aside expectations via genres. For this one, try to see it with a little taste of soap opera, urban drama, etc. As I think that the relationship parts of it is truly a crown jewel of this movie and is the key of understanding and enjoying it.To respond to some critics, it seems that a lot of those who're critical are critical about certain actors. For example I think a lot of people are annoyed by Nicole Kidman's appearance, which tbh I have no idea y. I personally think she did a great job. Also for those who says too much CGIs, too much special effects, well, I don't know why but I happen to be not so sensitive to that. And as someone who's 'progressive' on technology adaptation, I personally recognizes and approve of using technology to make acting & producing easier, like in this case, filming a world 'underwater' without actors actually going anyway near, or even putting filming devices under actual water. However my two pieces is that some would appreciate more if the actors and producers actually do a lot more jobs themselves? To feel more 'real' to some sharper eyes, and probably are more acceptable. But for me, I'd just enjoy what technology can bring us.So overall I really enjoyed this movie. I like how it portrays a superhero film in a very unique way. I'd still argue that this is something worth a watch!

Aquaman is definitely one of those movies that never gets old! With its stunning visuals, exciting action scenes, and incredible underwater world, it’s always a thrilling watch. Jason Momoa brings so much charisma to the role, making Aquaman a truly likable and powerful hero. The storyline keeps you engaged, and the special effects are jaw-dropping. Whether it's your first time watching or your tenth, Aquaman is always a good choice for an action-packed, fun movie night.