Aquaman Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

Ups...

5. The Solid Ensemble Cast

A few years ago, whoever could've imagined than an Aquaman movie of all things could entice a genuinely enviable cast?

But first, let's talk Jason Momoa, who one-ups his charming Justice League performance with a thoroughly entertaining turn as the titular superhero.

Though the material isn't the strongest for him to showcase his comedic or dramatic chops, he does a fine job cementing Arthur Curry as a likeable, rough-around-the-edges rogue.

The supporting cast meanwhile benefits from the unexpected effectiveness of Amber Heard as Mera, who has easy screen chemistry with Momoa and gives a genuinely compelling performance in the role.

Surely the strongest work from the acting ensemble, however, is that of Nicole Kidman, whose is remarkable in the small-but-pivotal role of Queen Atlanna.

Elsewhere Yahya Abdul-Mateen II should also be singled out for bringing Black Manta to evocative life, Patrick Wilson has plenty of hammy fun as the villainous Orm, and how can you not love Dolph Lundgren playing the pink-haired King Nereus?

Again, the cast is beholden to the fairly middling material, but there's never the feeling that anyone's looking down on it or simply here for an easy paycheck.

Everyone brings conviction to their roles, and are hugely responsible for why the movie works as well as it often does.