Aquaman [4K Ultra-HD] [2018] [Blu-ray]

Dc comic's aquatic Superhero Aquaman finally gets a solo movie of his own, He's been around on the printed page almost as long as Wonder Woman, and had to wait almost as long for his big screen time as she did.Jason Momoa, who played him in the movie Justice League, and very briefly in Batman Vs Superman, stays in the role. Amber Heard, who was also briefly in Justice League, returns as well. This movie does take place after that, but it does stand all on it's own, and you can get into Justice League without having seen that.A quick prologue fills us in on his backstory. How a lighthouse keeper met a fugitive Atlantean Queen. And their son Arthur Curry was the result. A boy with a strange ability to communicate with sea creatures.Flash forward years later, and he's out there fighting the good fight and helping out people in peril at sea when he can. But he's rejected his heritage and birthright, and just wants to live his own life. But when undersea Princess Mera [Amber Heard] needs his help to deal with a new power arising in Atlantis, he might just have to face up to his destiny. In his own way...Right from the off, in an opening few minutes that mixes strangers from different worlds with cult tv and great action scenes, plus some lovely imagery, this is superbly directed. And it's well acted too. Jason Momoa has a good laid back attitude and charisma to go with it, and did command the attention with that in Justice League. And he manages to carry the lead role in a film effortlessly. Amber Heard makes Mera a completely three dimensional creation who does look like she's stepped off the printed page, and the two have a very entertaining chemistry together.As they go on a journey to many strange places, that carries the film along. It's action adventure romance with humour in the style of things like Romancing the Stone. And it really works at doing what it tries to do.There's great world building, for both above and below the water. There's some stunningly good set pieces. It manages to get two villains into the narrative well. And it just, like the lead character, simply goes with things. There are some images that you won't forget as a result.Most importantly, it never forgets to be fun.It's got a good heroic journey for it's lead at it's heart, though, so it's a strong narrative. And it has a really great score.There's so much set up within it's running time that there's so many places the impending sequel can go to. And you'll want, after this, to be back for that. A hugely entertaining film that elevates someone who has for many years been something of a joke character to the status he deserves. Well worth five stars.Do keep watching till the middle of the end of credits for an additional scene. But there's nothing extra at the end.The disc has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English.Subtitles: English.It goes straight into the main menu when loaded with no trailers or ads.The only extra is James Wan: World builder. A seven minute long feature about the director's work on visualising his ideas. It is an interesting look at the creative process.It also contains the usual flyer with code to use to get a digital copy of the film onto a digital device.

Enjoyed this film.

There is a mighty conflict in the world. A conflict that shakes the very foundations of civilisation.It is not of course superhero vs villain but Marvel vs DC Comics and many people fall into one of either camp. For me as a child I always preferred the Marvel comics because they just seemed to be better written and drawn. Less neon and less camp.And oddly, as the films have poured out of various studios, there is a definite tone difference between the two comic giants with for me, Marvel knocking it out of the park.That being said DC have some very good films and hits. Most of the Batman ones of course, then Wonder Woman and Aquaman now.And....I'm not convinced that Aquaman is as good as the takings suggest. The story is of course the usual origin one that in various guises has been punted out over the decades. Nothing astonishing about this and almost by the numbers.But...whilst clearly the fact that's its a sci-fi superhero movie means reality is stretched as far as CGI can go, the fact that under the sea a super advanced race of humans exist without us knowing or them giving us a right good going over for messing up their home is a bit banal. Of course they would have said something at the end of a large boot I suspect.No matter, this is what the story revolves around and oddly I kind of sympathise with the 'bad guys' a bit.CGI everywhere and almost too much. I find that the best superhero movies are ones that use as little CGI as possible and as much reality as can be injected. From about half way through this film - one the underwater stuff starts - it more resembles a very well made video game than a film.Acting overall is a bit wooden. I suspect that despite the well known actors and actresses, there's only so much you can do with a script written in crayon on a wooden plank.However, the thing that lifts this back up from the depths is Jason Mamoa. He has star quality by the bucket load. Very much of the present, he injects just enough humour to alleviate the po faced bits and acts his way with a knowing grin through the less well written bits.And of course if my wife is anything to go by, the ladies don't find him hard on the eyes.Overall, a film that is fun, colourful but ultimately a popcorn one. Enjoy it but probably not the kind of film you will return to.

Loved this film with its rough and ready hero and lots of villains. Great subplot with his Mum in trouble and needing rescuing and his lovely , faithful Dad. All action and great heart.