Summary
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The complexity, humor and progression of Aquaman is perfectly captured by Jason Momoa’s performance.
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Memorable dynamic between Bruce Wayne and Aquaman set up a nuanced and capable character.
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Momoa’s image balances physical strength, resilience, humor and determination as Aquaman.
The DCEU certainly has its flaws, but when it came to casting, actors like Jason Momoa, who played Aquaman perfectly captured their roles, proving why they should be brought back In James Gunn’s DCU. The DCEU has a fairly limited lifespan, but when it came to Justice League, there was a lot of promise that never got a chance to fully shine. Luckily, Momoa had two more solo films to explore the character of Arthur Curry, and he nailed it.
Aquaman is a character that comes with a range of complexities. Raised on Earth as a human, with little understanding of his Atlantean heritage, Arthur grew to be fairly independent. However, he also uses humor to connect with those around him, often shying away from deeper topics. However, as he learns about his past, and settles into his role as the King of Atlantis, he begins to soften and open up. On top of that, he needs to be an outstanding fighter, and Jason Momoa delivered all those details and more in his performance.
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Batman meets Aquaman
Justice League
The first meeting between Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne and Momoa’s Arthur Curry is tense, With Wayne approaching the small village in search of the legendary Aquaman. However, the village is protective of Arthur’s secret, and he stands among them, acting as a translator and ambassador. However, Wayne is smart enough to put the pieces together and figure out that Arthur is standing right in front of him.
This scene explores the protective side of Arthur, and his love for the villagers, Which is then seen in a much more visceral way when he picks up Bruce by his skirt and pushes back on his advance for knowledge. This is a shining example of how Arthur is a man between two worlds, but it also shows that he is a capable diplomat, even at this early stage in the DCEU. The dynamic between Bruce and Arthur is also very fun to watch.
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Aquaman faces the trench
Aquaman
However, Aquaman is also a fierce fighter when it comes to handling his enemies. Batman was not a threat to his people, either on earth or under the sea, however When he faces the monstrous creatures of the trench, he showcases his fighting prowess. Thanks to the direction of James Wan, a legendary horror director who directs Saw, InsidiousAnd The ConjuringThe scene is dark and ominous, but Momoa proves his heroic ability as he puts the monsters in their place.
If this scene had been in a horror movie, the monsters might have had greater success in terrorizing Aquaman
If this scene was in a horror movie, the monsters might have had more success terrorizing Aquaman, but Momoa is the perfect actor to turn the tables on the creatures of the deep. with swift and fluid movements, He dispatches some of the monsters in inventive and elaborate ways. He and Mera then dive into the water to find another way out, while still fending off the growing hordes that surround them.
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Aquaman fights Arm in the Ring of Fire
Aquaman
The trench wasn’t the only thing that stood between Aquaman and him assuming his place as the King of Atlantis. In the first movie, Aquaman meets his half brother, Orm, but since Arthur could potentially be a threat to Orm’s position as the king of Atlantis, he has no brotherly affection for Arthur. As a means of proving his rightful place as king, and progressing to claim the title of Ocean Lord, Orm challenges Arthur to a duel in the ring of fire.
It’s a defining moment for Arthur, but it’s not because he’s proving how strong he is. Arthur loses the first battle with his brother, After the trident passed down to him by his mother was broken. While he may have thrown a tantrum, or completely lost hope, Aquaman uses this loss as a growth opportunity, and prepares for another battle. The emotion and strength, more than physical strength, is perfectly done by Momoa.
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Bedtime Stories with Arthur Jr.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
In addition to his physical strength, his mental resilience and his diplomacy, Arthur is also funny. This is perhaps best seen when he tells stories to his son, Arthur Jr., In the beginning of Aquaman 2. Arthur uses this moment to teach his son about his adventures, and his role as King of Atlantis. Momoa delivers the perfect balance when he lights up and talks about his big battles, and soars when he discusses his work with problems in the kingdom.
The humor and balance is important to the character, And there is another part of the character that Momoa has perfectly down. It also shows that Momoa is willing to play Aquaman at any point on the spectrum, from hopeful and cheerful, to restless and a warrior. Whatever the tone of the DCU version of the character, Momoa could do it justice.
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Arthur Carey wipes the submarine crew on one hand
Aquaman
Aquaman can also be a harsh vessel of justice. During an encounter with several sea raiders equipped with high-tech weapons, Aquaman is able to quickly defeat the inhabitants of their submarine. While they throw everything they have at him, he manages to withstand and brush off their every attack with ease. However, these actions also appear somewhat reckless.
Aquaman may be angered by the people who attacked him, but considering how strong he is, they are never a threat in this fight. However, when they ask for help, he coldly denies their request. This is another side of Aquaman that is important to show, and Momoa captures it brilliantly. And, it exposes a much darker side to the character.
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Aquaman accidentally sits on the lasso of truth
Justice League
While Aquaman can put on a tough outer shell around his enemies, It is a very different story when it comes to his friends. When the Justice League is formed, Aquaman is much more mischievous, with a dry sense of humor that makes him one of the most entertaining members of the team. And due to the fact that he remains primarily upbeat and outgoing, he also tends to keep the positive.
However, in a scene where the team is gathered to figure out their next steps, Aquaman is unusually honest and forthcoming with his opinions. In addition to telling the team exactly what he thinks of them, he talks frankly about his doubts that their plan will work, and that they will likely all die. However, it is revealed that he accidentally sat on the lasso of truth. Again, this is a great example of Momoa’s ability to play comedy.
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Aquaman and Black Manta take their fight to the streets
Aquaman
In the course of the first Aquaman Movie, Arthur grows up a lot. He learns humility from his struggle with Orm, and the sacred nature of life. However, his earlier actions on the submarine come back to bite him when the man he left to die seeks to avenge the death of his father. Now equipped with specially designed technology, Black Manta provides a much more evenly matched fight against an Aquaman Who began to turn away from his great anger.
In the course of the first Aquaman Movie, Arthur grows up a lot. He learns humility from his fight with Orm, and the sacred nature of life.
However, even with his temper more regulated, Aquaman is no pushover. In a small Sicilian village, Aquaman and Black Manta go head-to-head. Meanwhile, Mera is kept busy fighting warriors of Atlantis sent by Orm. The battle is thrilling, and takes place on rooftops and crashing into small village homes, But seeing Black Manta power up and ready to take on Aquaman makes this a much more compelling fight than their previous encounter.
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Aquaman breaks Arm out of prison
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Early in Aquaman and the Lost KingdomIt becomes clear that Arthur will need the knowledge and expertise of his half-brother Orm. However, their bad blood from the events of the first movie is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of their problems. Orm is locked in a special prison, which left him completely without any liquid to draw out his powers. Arthur then needs to break through the defenses and save his brother.
A prison break is always an exciting element in television or film, but the addition of magical creatures from hidden kingdoms makes it even more impressive. All the while, Arthur must try to win his brother’s trust and ensure he doesn’t run away. The mission is a huge success, and the whole scene is full of brilliant comedy beats, and incredible action sequences. From a chase on the backs of wild animals with far too many legs, until Orm recovered, a lot has happened, but Mamaa continues to stand out in every moment.
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Aquaman rides the Leviathan into battle
Aquaman
Speaking of riding on wild magical looking creatures, the final battle in Aquaman Sees Arthur embrace his rightful place as King of Atlantis, but to do so, he must overpower Orm’s forces. Fortunately, with his incredible talent that allows him to communicate with fish and other sea creatures, Arthur manages to get help from one incredible creature that massively improves his chances of winning.
Aquaman manages to tame Karathan, a gigantic sea leviathan, to help him in his final battle. As Orm and his forces all prepare to wage war on Aquaman, they are overwhelmed by the incredible beast. However, they put up a good fight, before Aquaman uses his ability to shoot all the fish and sharks that are attacking them. The moment is huge for Arthur as he reveals his true power, and earns his right to rule over Atlantis.
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Arthur Curry emerges in full Aquaman costume
Aquaman
The first movie in the Aquaman Series is largely about Arthur finding his place between two worlds. As a son of land and sea, he struggles to fit into each. However, Arthur is destined for greatness, as long as he can overcome his pride. When he sets out to claim the trident from King Atlan, Arthur proves himself worthy, and He is able to claim the trident, and the suit, which sees him fully embrace his rightful place as king of the sea.
When he claims the Trident and the suit of the First King, Aquaman becomes who he was always meant to be. Not to mention, Momoa looks great in the suit, and manages to turn something that could have easily looked garish and silly into something that’s cool and powerful. Of all the scenes that show Momoa is the perfect AquamanThis is potentially the one that packs the biggest emotional and visual punch.
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