Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom sinks to new depths in superhero cinema. This much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 Aquaman film left me sorely disappointed. From its laughable CGI to its uninspired plot and forced attempts at humor, this movie was a painful experience that failed to live up to expectations.
First and foremost, the CGI in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is nothing short of abysmal. It’s shocking to see a big-budget production with such poor visual effects. The underwater scenes, in particular, were a mess, with characters moving awkwardly and the aquatic creatures looking like they were plucked straight out of a dated video game. It was rough to watch, and it felt like a step back from the visual spectacle of the first film.
Speaking of steps back, the plot of this movie felt like a direct copy and paste of “Black Panther.” The similarities were uncanny, from the lost kingdom with a hidden power source to the long-lost sibling with a vendetta. It’s a shame that the writers couldn’t develop something original and compelling.
Perhaps the most glaring issue with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was its desperate attempt at humor. The movie tried too hard to be funny and failed on every front. The jokes felt forced, and the timing was off. The filmmakers were more interested in making the audience laugh than crafting a coherent and engaging story
Even in its action sequences, the film was lackluster. The choreography could have been more inspired, and the stakes never felt high. The underwater battles lacked the excitement and intensity that one would expect from a superhero movie. It left a lot to be desired in terms of thrilling action.
Ultimately, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a disappointing addition to the DC Extended Universe. The best part of the experience was the snacks at the theater, and that’s saying something. Fans of the first Aquaman film will likely leave the theater feeling let down, as this sequel falls far short of its predecessor’s success.