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James Wan's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom brings the story of Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis, to a climactic conclusion. Picking up after the events of 2018's Aquaman, the sequel sees Aquaman face off against his deadliest foe yet - the vengeful Black Manta. In the film's opening scenes, Black Manta discovers the ancient and powerful Black Trident, an Atlantean relic that allows him to locate the mythical underwater kingdom of Necrus. Driven by vengeance against Aquaman for his father's death in the first film, Black Manta wields the Trident's power to raise an army of merciless aqua-zombies. Meanwhile, in Atlantis, Aquaman's rule is challenged by his half-brother Orm as natural disasters endanger the kingdom.
With Atlantis facing threats from above and below, Aquaman must embark on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets of the lost city of Necrus to stop Black Manta once and for all. But in doing so, he exposes his newfound family, including his wife Mera and infant son, to grave danger at the hands of his most dangerous foe.
How Does Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom End?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | |
|---|---|
Director | James Wan |
Writer | James Wan, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett |
Cast | Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park |
Release Date | December 19, 2023 |
Runtime | 124 Minutes |
RT Score | 37 |
In the film's climax, Aquaman confronts Black Manta, who has uncovered the lost underwater kingdom of Necrus. Black Manta intends to lift the ancient curse placed on Necrus by King Atlan centuries ago by offering Aquaman's son as a sacrifice. This act would release the vengeful spirit of King Kordax, who has promised Black Manta retribution against Aquaman. Aquaman successfully rescues his son from Black Manta, sparking a monumental battle between the two underwater foes. Despite Black Manta's formidable powers granted by the mystical Black Trident, Aquaman ultimately triumphs over him.
However, the spirit of King Kordax then possesses Aquaman's brother, Orm. In a clash between the siblings, Orm draws Aquaman's blood, breaking the curse on Necrus and freeing King Kordax. Nevertheless, Aquaman defeats the villain by hurling both the Black Trident and the Trident of King Atlan, ending King Kordax's menace once and for all. In the aftermath, a wounded Black Manta tries to flee the destruction of Necrus but rejects Aquaman's offer of assistance. Black Manta seems to plummet to his demise, concluding his tale.
Does Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have a Post-Credits scene?
The mid-credits scene of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom shows Orm enjoying his newfound freedom in the surface world. Earlier in the film, Arthur told Orm about the delicious foods available, like cheeseburgers and pizza. In the credits scene, we see Orm ordering a cheeseburger at a restaurant by the water. However, as he takes a bite, he notices a large cockroach crawling across the table. Recalling Arthur tricking him into eating a cockroach earlier in the movie, Orm catches it and adds it to his burger before taking another bite, seeming to enjoy the meal even more.
This post-credits scene serves as a humorous callback to the film's events, showing Orm embracing the surface world just as Arthur had encouraged. However, it does not set up future plotlines or teasers for upcoming DC films. It acts simply as a comedic conclusion to Orm's character arc within the movie itself. The lack of additional stingers allows the film to conclude the current DC Extended Universe before the planned reboot under new leadership.
What Is Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom About?
The film's plot revolves around Arthur's efforts to collaborate with his half-brother Orm to thwart Black Manta's plans to annihilate his family and unleash the destructive power of the cursed Black Trident upon the world, all while seeking the elusive seventh kingdom of the seas. Additionally, the movie delves into Arthur's ongoing struggle to reconcile his life on land with his responsibilities under the sea, as well as his complex relationship with his son, Arthur Jr. Throughout the film; audiences can expect a captivating blend of action, comedy, drama, and visually stunning underwater sequences.
Furthermore, the film offers a compelling exploration of Arthur's internal conflicts and external challenges as he navigates the intricate dynamics of his dual identity. As he grapples with the weight of his lineage and the impending threat Black Manta poses, Arthur must confront his dilemmas while striving to protect his family and the world at large.
What is Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom's Rotten Tomatoes Score?
Critics have offered a mixed reception to the film, with commendations for the chemistry between Momoa and Wilson juxtaposed against criticisms of the plot, CGI, and overall tone. The film holds a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 143 reviews. Some critics have labeled it a ‘wheeler-dealer’ that rehashes old tropes in a manner bordering on ‘the contemptible,’ while others have lauded its fun and weird qualities.
Additionally, the film has been accused of feeling like a throwback stuck in the past, although some have appreciated its comic-book violence and eerie monsters. Notably, the film's audience score paints a more positive picture, standing at 77% based on 250+ ratings. Freda Cooper described the anticipated sequel as:
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom is a soggy mess -- unfunny, over-long, and a damp squib when compared to the original, and that, let’s face it, was no classic. But at least it has some energy and a sense of fun. It’s not just the kingdom that’s been lost.’
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom delivers a thrilling and action-packed culmination to the saga of Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis. While the movie has received a mixed response from critics, it has garnered praise for the chemistry between the lead actors, Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson, while also facing criticism for its plot, CGI, and overall tone.
