Since it began in earnest a few years back as a hoped-for Marvel Cinematic Universe competitor, the DC Extended Universe has stumbled, to say the least. On one hand, there’s Wonder Woman. On the other, there’s everything else. Even if they made money at the box office (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad), they didn’t sit well with fans. So good news, superhero fans! The next DCEU solo movie, Aquaman, is getting some solid first reactions.
The film, due December 21, stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, a half-Atlantean/half-human who can talk to fish (like one voiced by Julie Andrews), manipulate tides, and swim super fast. Momoa debuted his iteration of the character, very, very briefly, in Batman v Superman and in earnest in Justice League.
Aquaman’s solo venture finds him trying to stop a fight between sea and land, surrounded by the requisite cast of respected and award-winning thespians who used to be over-qualified for this kind of thing but are no longer, including Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman (as Aquaman’s mom), and Dolph Lundgren. James Wan, who co-created the Saw and Conjuring series, directs.
The response has so far been positive if not enthusiastic, but positive, with even the rare non-bowled-over critics still coming away impressed.
🔱 #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
#Aquaman is like an 80s cartoon, with all of the fun and the problems that come with that. A good adventure movie that acknowledges exactly what it is from the start, which is a meal made almost entirely of ham.
— Spencer Perry (@TheSpencerPerry) November 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/wayoutstuff/status/1067178609964503041
Others, however, were blown away.
#Aquaman was an absolute blast, from the charm of Momoa's Arthur Curry, to the spectacular visuals to the fun that it was clear that everyone was having. It was exactly what I was hoping for and I can't wait to see it again! I'll give you more details when I'm allowed! pic.twitter.com/FyeczAJJIJ
— Jenna Busch-Henderson (@JennaBusch) November 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/rustypolished/status/1067177356576473088
Aquaman is a breathtakingly beautiful, weird, badass, FUN idea of a modern superhero fantasy (anime) and makes zero apologies. Second half's one cheer/laugh after another.
Imagine '80s Schwarzenegger starring in "Hideo Kojima's AVATAR" and you're most of the way there. #Aquaman pic.twitter.com/nmZYjcUm5q
— Andrew Dyce (@andrewbdyce) November 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/AshleyGMenzel/status/1067176969362493440
#Aquaman is the most ambitious DC movie to date — a big, sprawling visual spectacle that is gorgeous, crazy, stuffed with terrific action, and a lot of fun to watch. James Wan, in my opinion, is the true star – he elevates the material, makes it entertaining and conquers it. pic.twitter.com/gDFjiAWICA
— 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
#Aquaman is everything DC fans have been hoping for and more. Rollicking action, an amazing sense of world-building, spellbinding musical numbers in which Aquaman wears clams as tap shoes, and a command performance from Jason Momoa. DC has really righted the ship. The DCEU lives!
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) November 26, 2018
Short & sweet reaction to #Aquaman is that I loved it. It’s a comic book movie through & through with great action, iconic moments & visual spectacle to spare. Momoa makes the character his own & Wan honors the traditional aspects, but elevates it to the modern era. It’s a blast.
— Arctic Ninja (@arcticninjapaul) November 26, 2018
#AQUAMAN is an absolute blast! James Wan creates a thrilling story & makes a worthy entry in the DCEU
Full of spectacle & highlighted by creatures of the abyss, Wan creates an engaging adventure. The heart/emotion of the film resonated most, amplified by strong cast performances pic.twitter.com/GVj7tnO51o
— Cinema Debate (@CinemaDebate) November 26, 2018
#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
#Aquaman is AWESOME & absolutely delivers! Not only is @prideofgyypsies the King of Atlantis, but also the newly crowned King of the DCEU! 🔱👑 I can't wait to see it again! pic.twitter.com/boVAKdcNIA
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) November 26, 2018
Aquaman is a big, fun, wild ride. It’s unabashedly melodramatic and over the top with the largest, most ambitious sense of scale imaginable. Parts of it are kind of bad but they are not the majority and, oddly, still fit in with the cartoony tone. 2nd best DCU movie. YEEEAAHH! pic.twitter.com/3GLlK3uQJ3
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 26, 2018
Against all odds, I really dug #Aquaman, which offers thrills chills and a whole lotta adventure for the whole family! Also the president of the United States is a demonstrably evil racist and there appears to be nothing we can do about that! See it on the biggest screen possible
— Wampler™ (@ScottWamplerRIP) November 26, 2018
Does #Aquaman tie into the larger DCEU? Hard to say. Little mention of the world outside Atlantis, for better & worse. But what I know is it'll be a long time before I forget Vulko's lyrical dance interpretation of Arthur Curry's conception. Best superhero film since DARK KNIGHT
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) November 26, 2018