ActiveMan
No Result
View All Result
  • Wellness
  • Style
  • Living
  • Culture
  • Wellness
  • Style
  • Living
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
ActiveMan
No Result
View All Result

How Good Is ‘Aquaman’ Compared to Other Superhero Movies?

It's good, but it does more than just be good

by Ramon Lorenzo Francisco
in Culture
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Jason Momoa as Aquaman (Image Credits: DC Films / Warner Bros. Pictures)

Jason Momoa as Aquaman (Image Credits: DC Films / Warner Bros. Pictures)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

You may be wondering, why bother comparing “Aquaman” to other superhero films out there? Can’t we just enjoy “Aquaman” for what it is – an underwater romp focused on an iconic character from the DC stable of heroes? But not comparing the “Aquaman” movie to its competitors would be doing it a disservice as it actually stacks up well against other superhero origin films.

With the DC series of superhero films falling short of attaining the popularity of Marvel’s superhero movies, and with Marvel already encroaching on the cinematic animation space – a niche that DC’s animated films excelled at – with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Aquaman” stands as a beacon of light for DC movie fans much like Arthur Curry’s (Jason Momoa) lighthouse home.

It’s a good origin story

Young Arthur trains for combat
(Image Credits: DC Films / Warner Bros. Pictures)

Origin stories are a dime a dozen nowadays as each and every superhero from both DC and Marvel needs to get their own movie when they’re introduced to the public. Thankfully, Aquaman’s origin story adapted for the big screen is thinking bigger compared to other DC Universe films we’ve seen so far. You won’t find any throw-away villains in this movie.

Aquaman’s decision to leave Jess Kane’s (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) father behind in the submarine may seem like an unheroic choice, but it does set up a conflict between Black Manta and Aquaman that the audience can be invested in. By the end of the movie, Aquaman now has a renewed purpose as a super-powered human, as well as a villain with a justified axe to grind against the franchise’s protagonist, helping fans to look forward to the next films in the franchise.

It does well to respect the other movies in its continuity

“Aquaman” takes place a year after the events of 2017’s “Justice League” film. Rather than do another pre-DCU history approach, similar to “Wonder Woman,” the film embraces the fact that Steppenwolf’s invasion has happened and is more than glad to play with the narrative space from there.

The movie’s approach means that “Aquaman” helps push the narrative not just for itself, but also the future DC Universe films that fans are anticipating. Fans can expect not to encounter any complicated casting choices for DC films in the near future because of “Aquaman,” unlike the wrap-up to “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

It doesn’t hold back its protagonist

Black Manta Revealed
(Image Credits: DC Films / Warner Bros. Pictures)

While “Aquaman’s” writing is not at the top of the heap, the action is non-stop and easy to follow. The fact that the movie is set a year after Aquaman’s own introduction allows the film to showcase the action as early as 15 minutes into viewing. The movie is not hampered by any limitations to Aquaman’s strength, which allows Arthur Curry to take on more challenges worthy of the title of King of Atlantis.

In addition to the action, Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman injects a bit of humor that doesn’t try to emulate the popular Marvel voice that so many comic book movie fans are used to. It’s nice to see DC finally find its own brand of humor and narrative voice in “Aquaman,” where so many other DC films have recently failed at executing.

Conclusion

“Aquaman” is no “Infinity War.” It’s not the strong stable of movies that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe herald as some of the DC rival’s best films like “Captain America: Winter Soldier” and the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” film. It’s more akin to the first few memorable Marvel films like the origin stories of Iron Man and Captain America, which means it is a satisfying action flick that adds value to the future of the DC universe film franchise.

While it’s no “Black Panther,” “Aquaman” is definitely a strong cinematic focus on one of DC’s under-appreciated heroes. The fact that “Aquaman” stands alongside “Wonder Woman” as being better than the flood of other DC films gives fans of the superhero multi-franchise some hope for better quality from DC’s future films.

Previous Post

Brew Your Best Trip: Top Destinations for Beer Lovers

Next Post

Yes, Men Can Have Yeast Infections, Too

Related Posts

Captain Marvel Title Card (Image Credits: Marvel Studios)

Why You Should Be First in Line for ‘Captain Marvel’

January 23, 2019
489

Brie Larson's upcoming "Captain Marvel" movie is a huge deal for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which is why it's...

Shazam Title Card (Image Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures / DC Films)

Here’s Why I’m Hoping the ‘Shazam’ Film Will Do Well

January 16, 2019
326

Billy Batson may not be as popular as the main Justice League superheroes but he does have his fans. And...

Bumblebee Title Card (Image Credits: Paramount Pictures / Hasbro)

Here’s What the ‘Bumblebee’ Movie Does Right

January 16, 2019
293

"Bumblebee," which hit theaters during the holidays, is a film that can hopefully be a fresh springboard for the overexposed...

Load More

Men’s Fashion Accessories: 10 Easy Ways To Style Your Same Old Boring Outfits

The top 5 cocktail recipes every man should know

7 Best Whiskey Brands for Any Occasion

Find Best Men’s Watches: 8 Important Things To Consider

7 Grooming Essentials For Men: Discover How To Maximize Your Handsome Potential

Style Hacks for Men: 4 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Wardrobe

  • About
  • Disclaimer
  • Email us: [email protected]

© 2023 ActiveMan. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. All the information on this website – activeman.com – is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. ActiveMan does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (ActiveMan), is strictly at your own risk. ActiveMan will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. ActiveMan might get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. ActiveMan is a registered trademark of Placeful, Inc.

No Result
View All Result
  • Wellness
  • Style
  • Living
  • Culture

© 2022 ActiveMan. All rights reserved. All images property of their respective owners. ActiveMan is a registered trademark of Placeful, Inc.