Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) – Movie Review
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) is the sequel to the 2018 film Aquaman, directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa as the titular hero. The film attempts to continue the underwater adventures of Arthur Curry but has received predominantly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Plot & Storyline
In this installment, Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) faces new challenges as the King of Atlantis. He must forge uneasy alliances to protect Atlantis and the surface world from emerging threats. The narrative aims to blend action, fantasy, and political intrigue beneath the waves.
Critical Reception
The film has been criticized for its lackluster plot and underdeveloped characters. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 35% approval rating based on 122 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/10. The consensus states: “Jason Momoa remains a charismatic lead, but even die-hard DC fans might find Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom treading familiar waters.”
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian awarded the film one star, describing it as a “terrible sequel” that “pollutes the DC ocean.”
Similarly, The Independent’s Claire Loughrey labeled it “the latest entry in the rogues’ gallery of brainless franchise films.”
Box Office Performance
Financially, the film underperformed compared to its predecessor. It grossed $124.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $314.9 million in other territories, totaling $439.4 million worldwide. This figure is less than half of the first Aquaman’s box office revenue. Analysts suggest the film needed to earn between $305–355 million worldwide to break even, indicating it struggled to recoup its production and marketing costs.
Overall Verdict
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom fails to capture the charm and excitement of the original. With a convoluted plot, uninspired character development, and disappointing box office returns, it serves as a lackluster addition to the DC Extended Universe.
Rating: 4/10
