Just swimming towards its third week in theaters after opening quite early and ahead of US territories, Aquaman has performed EXCEPTIONALLY WELL in Philippine cinemas - grossing over P230.4 Million in its opening weekend AND surpassing 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as a result. Worldwide, it has grossed $383 Million, and is undeniably one of the BEST DC Films to be made by Warner Bros. alongside Wonder Woman. The success of course is due to the charismatic performance of Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/ Aquaman - who first debuted as the character in a slight cameo in 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and then joining his fellow heroes to battle a common threat in last year's "Justice League". Momoa's characterization of Aquaman - a hero born to an Atlantian queen and human father, is simply embodied in the word "AWESOME". He's the kind of hero who never backs down from a fight and while seemingly an outcast is determined to do the right thing when it matters and emerges as both hero and king by the film's conclusion. Not since Robert Downey Jr.'s take as Tony Stark/ Iron Man have we seen a vastly different take on a familiar comic book icon, and Momoa can lay claim to the fact that HE IS AQUAMAN because of his performance in this movie.
While Momoa headlines the show as The King of the Seven Seas, his supporting cast is also the reason why this live-action superhero film shines. Amber Heard stands by Arthur Curry's side as Mera - a fellow Atlantian and princess who helps Aquaman realize his destiny and guides him to become the hero he is meant to be. Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison also star as Arthur's parents Atlanna and Thomas Curry - two people from two different worlds who were never meant to meet and fall in love, but they did and produced a child who would become a representation of what is good in life in both land and sea. Willem Dafoe plays the role of Vulko - the counselor of Atlantis royalty who teaches and mentors Arthur to become the warrior he grows up to be. Patrick Wilson stars as Orm - the half-brother of Arthur Curry who seeks to challenge his birthright as king of Atlantis and become "Ocean Master". Likewise, Yahya-Abdul Mateen II becomes a very personal enemy to Aquaman after their initial encounter and takes up the role of his nemesis, Black Manta.
For all its brilliant casting and direction, Aquaman also bolsters one of the most impressive CGI works and special effects that can be made today - bringing to life the world of Atlantis and the rest of the undersea waters that make up the different kingdoms featured in this adventure. Wan and crew spare no expense in imagining something as beautiful as the capital city, while also digging deeper into Aquaman lore and displaying the horrors seen in The Trench. There's just plenty to talk about and it's better to watch it come to life, as well as the world hopping that Arthur and Mera go through to find King Atlan's trident to help save not only the surface world, but the rest of Atlantis from a war that may very well destroy both worlds as a result.
Undoubtedly one of the BEST superhero films to be made because it FINALLY puts to rest all the jokes unfairly pointed at Arthur Curry since time and memorial, Aquaman is just simply made to be seen by fans and newbies because it is rich with adventure, spectacle, and awesomeness. It puts DC back in the map in making a solid footing to the superhero movie market, and I can't wait to see what comes next in DC Films. Also, I got to go to the Grand Hyatt Hotel press conference and see Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and director James Wan themselves before the Aquaman Fan Meet at SM Mall of Asia last December 11! You can see bits of that in my Facebook page in photos, as well as a Facebook Live Video too!
Rating - 5/5
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