Early Aquaman Reactions Promise You’ll Have a Whale of a Time

The first reactions to Aquaman have been posted, and folks, we’re looking at a win for the DCEU. The comments from critics have been positive, tending towards the raves.

No one is saying the film is without problems, but the problems are overshadowed by how fun the film seems to be. Our reactions and analysis of the trailers, which emphasized the high fantasy element of the film, seem to have been right on the nose: this is going to be a wild, humorous, and exciting ride.

One of the comments that has most intrigued me about the film was it being described as an underwater Star Wars. I adore those silly space operas, so to hear a superhero film compared to my other favorite franchise? If I wasn’t already sold, you’d have me. An operatic epic is exactly what the doctor ordered at the end of this long, terrible year. Give me power struggles, massive kaiju, and hopefully a well-handled love story and I’ll be set. And if Patrick Wilson is half the bad guy I’m hoping he is, we’re in for a delightfully villainous treat.

I’m excited to see critics praising Jason Momoa and Amber Heard as well. Momoa stole my heart during Justice League, and I’ve been a longtime fan of Heard. I cannot wait to delve more deeply into their roles in Aquaman. Plus, there’s been praise for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta; my affection for Young Justice is shining through and I cannot wait to see his spin on the classic villain.

Finally, I am excited that many reviews have spoken about the humor and how hard the film leans into the fantasy/adventure elements. This film couldn’t work via playing it with a straight face, and I am glad director James Wan (another fave of mine) decided to charge forward with all the ridiculous Aqua-glory. If letting smart filmmakers like Wan and Patty Jenkins bring unique takes to the characters is the direction the DCEU is going, we might be on a good track after all.

Check out a sample of the reaction tweets below, and see Aquaman in theaters on December 21.

Against all odds, I really dug #Aquaman, which offers thrills chills and a whole lotta adventure for the whole family! Also the president of the United States is a demonstrably evil racist and there appears to be nothing we can do about that! See it on the biggest screen possible

— Scott Wampler™ (@ScottWamplerBMD) November 26, 2018

(As a side note: Mr. Wampler, if you ever read this, well played.)

With #Aquaman, James Wan has crafted a world the likes of which we’ve never seen on screen before. It truly is an undersea Star Wars, with a palpable sense of history, hammerhead sharks with human legs who can pop, lock, and drop it, and flat-out incredible creature design. 🙌

— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) November 26, 2018

#Aquaman was an absolute blast, from the charm of Momoa’s Arthur Curry, to the spectacular visuals to the fun that it was clear that everyone was having. It was exactly what I was hoping for and I can’t wait to see it again! I’ll give you more details when I’m allowed! pic.twitter.com/FyeczAJJIJ

— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) November 26, 2018

There is definitely flaws with #Aquaman but I had so much fun in the cinema! James Wan doesn’t play around with signature visuals, energy and overall tonal consistency.

Jason Momoa is the king of water (Cannot wait to see him excel more in future instalments). pic.twitter.com/bwhgENuhJa

— Jordan Samuel (@JordanESamuel) November 26, 2018

Saw #Aquaman before thanksgiving and had a week to think about it. It’s flawed, but fun. Momoa and Patrick Wilson are absolute gems. Most of all, the movie is just flat out insane. I can’t believe how big, creative, and crazy it gets. Gotta see it again! pic.twitter.com/m2oRbHVtu9

— Mike Rougeau (@RogueCheddar) November 26, 2018

James Wan and company put a lot of care into designing this corner of the DCEU. Atlantis looks gorgeous. I love the worldbuilding of Man of Steel and Wonder Woman, and #Aquaman keeps that going. It has its problems, but it really feels different from other superhero flicks.

— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) November 26, 2018

Are you as excited as we are?

(image: Warner Bros)

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