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Aquaman

14 December 2018English2h 24mPart 1 of the Aquaman series
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 13 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Momoa impresses, but bloated runtime and chaotic action weigh Aquaman down.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Jason Momoa's screen presence
  • Criticised: Overlong runtime and incoherent action

Audience

User score 6.3 out of 10 from 3 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 14 critics are saying

Critical reception for Aquaman is mixed-to-positive, with most reviewers acknowledging it as one of the stronger entries in the DC Extended Universe. Jason Momoa's commanding screen presence and his ability to make the character compelling were widely noted as the film's standout element, alongside its ambitious visual effects and underwater imagery. The most consistent criticisms center on an overlong runtime, incoherent or relentless action sequences, and weak narrative structure, with several critics flagging the frenetic camerawork as a particular issue.

How the 13 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 14 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (14)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Jason is a potent force, bringing forth the dimensions of the struggle of a hero who is at first reluctant to jump into battle
  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Director James Wan seems in an incredible rush, not lingering over any important characters or vital plot points but diving head first into yet another undersea clash.
  3. Sify

    Film review ·

    Mounted with brilliant visual effects and astounding score, each moment feels stunning, larger than life and simply beautiful. A little bit of editing of the action sequences could have made the film a bit more-taut. Nevertheless, the fluidity on screen is simply impeccable and a joy to watch. It is easily one of the best from the DC Extended Universe.
  4. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Jason Momoa and Amber Heard star in the DCEU's best film since Wonder Woman. James Wan just saved a series from drowning.
  5. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Jason Momoa's Aquaman will definitely make you laugh, warm your heart, and ultimately fill you with hope.
  6. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    All said and done, Aquaman one of the best *solo* superhero movies to come out of Hollywood. I'm yet to see Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse but Aquaman definitely topples Black Panther for me. A chance for DCEU to redeem its lost glory and rise up strong with upcoming projects. It's a grand and entertaining underwater delight!
  7. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Wan's joy in orchestrating battles around demi-gods riding sea dragons and giant crustaceans, trench monsters hijacking a ship in the middle of a raging storm and a virtually unrecognisable Julie Andrews strong arming a rockstar superhero prone to smirk his way through every obstacle ensure this is the most fun I've had at DC since Wonder Woman.
  8. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Aquaman' wouldn't work as well if it weren't for its hero, and while there may be other fish in the sea, (read 'actors'), there seems to be no one better equipped to play the King of the Seven Seas than Jason Momoa. He dominates the screen with his presence and puts his own stamp on a character who has been the butt of jokes in the comic book world, to make him unquestionably cool again. That, combined with the insane action, make for convincing reasons to watch 'Aquaman'. Go on, dive in.
  9. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    The film is overlong and predictable, but it retains it's excitement and holds the audience's attention to the end.
  10. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    ...the word 'adequate' is probably the word that describes Aquaman best. The film checks all the boxes, builds the character, sets up a sequel and all the other yadas. The trippy soundtrack and visuals make it a big screen watch, but mainly for fans of the genre.
  11. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The film has some stunning imagery but most of the action feels random and incoherent. The narrative is overlong in its desire to include every embellishment possible
  12. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Motion sickness ahoy! Expect subpar storytelling, non-stop action and constantly swirling camera work.

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

3 ratings · user score 6.3

  1. Ajay lawyerDec 2018
    6/10

    very creative movie..... too much scenes in depth of the ocean seems idiotic. that makes me some what bad.

  2. 5/10

    Visually good and entertaining but still not a good enough film for DC's revival.

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