Aquaman

Yes, it's Aquaman, the DC superhero who can talk to fish. Some think that's all he's good for. They'd be surprised if they knew. He was embodied by Jason Momoa in last year's Justice League. This year, Momoa returns as Aquaman in his own movie. It's a nice distraction from the Oscar Bait coming around now.

Arthur Curry is the son of lighthouse keeper Tom Curry (Temeura Morrison) and Queen Atlanna of Atlantis (Nicole Kidman). Atlanna goes back to the sea when Atlantean Troops come knocking. He's taught the ways of Atlantis by royal adviser Nuidis Vulko (Willem Dafoe). Vulko tells him Atlanna was fed to sea monsters for the crime of having a half-human son. Arthur grows up into a bitter, yet rowdy man who patrols the seas as Aquaman.

Meanwhile, Arthur's full-Atlantean half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) decides to start a war with the surface. Princess Mera (Amber Heard) doesn't want that. So she gets Arthur to come with her to Atlantis. The only way to stop Orm is to prove Arthur is the Once and Future King. There's a MacGuffin Trident that they need. The much-alive Queen Atlanna helps them. They'll have to hurry before Orm takes up the title of Ocean Master and unites Atlantis's tribes for war.

Got that? I think I do.

Its story sounds like King Arthur underwater. But it sure makes a better King Arthur movie than last year's catastrophe. A significant factor is Aquaman himself. Aquaman's bitter rowdiness is a step beyond stiff stock hero. His rowdiness is entertaining, while his bitterness is understandable considering the circumstances. His relationship with Mera is fun to watch. Its best story aspect is how it legitimizes his much-mocked superpower of talking to sea-life. He puts it to good use to scare away bullies, then to bond with the sea monster, the Karathen, who guards the Trident. There's some story issues, mainly too much story, but it's forgivable.

The rest of the cast is pretty good in their roles. Dafoe as Vulko is a good adviser, even if the film skips how he first met Arthur. Morrison and Kidman make a great pair as Tom and Atlanna. Atlanna's part in the resolution was a strong moment. Wilson as Orm is a memorable antagonist. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is even better as Orm's human collaborator, the Black Manta. There's a surprisingly abundant amount of big names in the supporting cast. But the most surprising cameo of all is the voice of the Karathen: Julie Andrews.

Director James Wan's crew is an awesome league. The underwater world is a visual spectacle. Soldiers ride monstrous sea-horses or Sharks with laser beams. A wide variety of sea creatures and fish-men populate the seas. Their world is illuminated in alluring blue. Their technology is delightfully futuristic. Costume Designer Kym Barrett's work dresses the Atlanteans in delightfully comic bookish attire. The costumes' appeal is increased by cinematographer Don Burgess's lighting. Rupert Gregson-Williams's score fits the spectacle pretty well.

Aquaman is saved from the Dune syndrome by its earnestness. There's a bright tone beneath its story pileup. A seemingly impending brawl with biker toughs takes a delightful turn. The final conflict between Aquaman and Orm is resolved peacefully. Its execution isn't perfect but it makes an effort. Its 143 minutes make for a good matinee. Its underwater world is worth the price of admission.