The day is finally here. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has released in theatres today, or at least in some regions. The film is supposed to be DCEU’s last outing before James Gunn takes over and reboots the DC universe. It has been a tough year for DC Studios, they have witnessed four huge box office disasters on a trot. Black Adam (2022), Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle. None of their movies are working in their favor. Aquaman 2 despite being a sequel to DC’s only billion dollar film, Aquaman (2018), already has terrible word of mouth because of audience members walking out of test screenings. Warner Bros. is trying desperately with its marketing to exploit the holiday season and make a decent buck from this potential box office dud.
Aquaman 2 Reviews Round-Up: Early Reactions Seem Positive!
Unlike most normal movies we aren’t getting early reviews for the sequel a few days before its release. Warner Bros. has set the embargo date in the west to be just a day before the film’s release i.e., Thursday, December 21 at 8:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. ET. By that point, the James Wan directorial will have already arrived in several international locations like India and some other Asian countries. The sequel is set to release in India today – December 20th, ahead of the usual Thursday afternoon / evening previews in North America. This means that we have gathered reviews of all the Asian critics that have seen the sequel ahead of its worldwide release and here are their thoughts.
Jesus Agudo (eCartelera) – “James Wan knows how to make a blockbuster, but in this sequel all his good ideas, and there are many, and every effort to get the audience to have a good time are hindered by cuts, retouches and reshoots.” Final rating: 5/10
Mikel Zorrilla (Espinof) – “Is it a good movie? Not at all, but it can be entertaining enough to not make you regret spending two hours of your time on it.” Final rating: 2.5/5
Natalie (Geek Culture) – “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom presents a visually stunning and action-packed adventure, led by Jason Momoa and marked by themes of brotherhood, culminating in a fitting farewell to the current DCEU.” Final rating: 8.2/10
Jerald UY (Geeky) – “There is a sense of sadness in watching Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom as things that happened off-camera were so real that it affected the suspension of disbelief needed to enjoy the superhero movie. The fun simmers down in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. If you’ve already dived deep into the closing DC Extended Universe, then watch it on the big screen to complete your journey as a DC Comics fan.”
Sameer Ahire (Movie Talkies) – “Peachy & Explosive Oceanic Finale To The DCEU. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may not be a critic-friendly movie, as the writing and execution both lack something extraordinary, but be assured, it makes for a decent watch and the water doesn’t flow your head at all.”
Sanyukta Thakare (Mashable India) – “We get it is DCEU’s last film, but maybe try a little? The film aims to showcase the lore of Aquaman but in the chase forgets its own characters at times. In the final scene we get a copy of I am Ironman moment which isn’t 5% of the MCU one.”
One thing is universal, critics have all praised its audio visual experience much like its predecessor. The sequel just like the original film is helmed by James Wan and stars Jason Momoa in the titular role along with Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Black Manta, Patrick Wilson as Orm aka Ocean Master, Amber Heard as Mera and Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will release in theatres worldwide on 22nd December 2023.
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