DC's Aquaman Movie: Critics' First Reactions Released
The critics have plenty to tweet about.
The first reactions to Aquaman are in! This is the first DC movie since the much-maligned Justice League a year ago, so hopes are high that DC can deliver an aquatic crowd-pleaser. The movie's release date is set for December, and although proper reviews won't appear until closer to then, critics have had plenty of say about the film on Twitter. [Update: Following these Twitter thoughts, we've now published our full Aquaman review.]
Given the criticism levelled at many recent DC movies, which also include Suicide Squad and Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, some critics seemed to have gone into Aquaman with lower expectations than they might for a Marvel movie. And for the most part, they were pleased with the end result, citing the scale, vfx, the cast, and its humorous tone among the positive aspects. Gizmodo's Germaine Lussier described it as a "big, fun, wild ride," while Den of Geek's Mike Cecchini said it "leans hard into its '80s fantasy/adventure movie vibe."
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
#Aquaman is pretty wild. It leans hard into its '80s fantasy/adventure movie vibe far more than superhero elements, and it works. It's another step in the right direction for the DCEU and shows how different/distinct the tones of these movies can be while still existing together.
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) November 26, 2018
Aquaman's cast came in for praise, in particular star Jason Momoa. Joblo editor-in-chief Paul Shirey stated that Momoa "makes the character his own," while We Live Entertainment's Ashley Menzel said he "brings Aquaman out of the shadows to stand alongside the greats like Wonder Woman."
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.
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) November 26, 2018
#Aquaman is over the top fun! A perfect balance of cheesy humor & action. James Wan shows his skill as a director & puts his mark on DC in a big way. Momoa is perfectly charming & brings Aquaman out of the shadows to stand alongside the greats like #WonderWoman @aquamanmovie pic.twitter.com/ySM7Tn8nkl
— Ashley Menzel (@AshleyGMenzel) November 26, 2018
Director James Wan was also singled out. Wan is best known for Furious 7 and horror movies such as The Conjuring and the original Saw. However, Aquaman is by far his biggest movie to date and most critics agreed that he handled the challenge well. Fandango's Erik Davis described Wan as the movie's "true star," with IGN's Tom Jorgenson's stating that Warner should hand "the DCEU reins" to the director.
#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
#Aquaman is the best DC movie since The Dark Knight.@creepypuppet delivers a swashbuckling epic full of big emotion, gorgeous undersea visuals, exciting action, and lots of laughs.
— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) November 26, 2018
WB should be handing the DCEU reins to James Wan, he's proven he can, ahem, right the ship. pic.twitter.com/4hjxdmNLDf
But while Aquaman hasn't received any outright negative reports so far, some critics were more measured in their response. Slashfilm's editor Peter Sciretta said it was "better than expected," and that it "feels like a Marvel phase one movie, in a good way." The comparison to early Marvel was mirrored by writer Nicholas Whitcomb, who described it as an "MCU phase one film through and through, on the level of Thor." GameSpot's Michael Rougeau said the movie was "flawed, but fun," but admired how "big, creative, and crazy it gets."
? #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
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) November 26, 2018
#Aquaman is.... fine. Don’t get your expectations too high it’s an MCU phase one film through and through, on the level of Thor 1. Mera, Black Manta, and Queen Atlanna are standouts. James Wan has delivered a fun adventure in the worlds of DC. The Trench is ? pic.twitter.com/GbVp9U7isT
— Nicholas Whitcomb (@Whos_Nick) November 26, 2018
Saw #Aquaman before thanksgiving and had a week to think about it. It's flawed, but fun. Momoa and Patrick Wilson are absolute gems. Most of all, the movie is just flat out insane. I can't believe how big, creative, and crazy it gets. Gotta see it again! pic.twitter.com/m2oRbHVtu9
— Mike Rougeau (@RogueCheddar) November 26, 2018
Aquaman hits theaters on December 21.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation