Momoa brings his alpha-cool, jerkish charm to Arthur again, but this time with a kid, and the odd-couple bickering works surprisingly well.

The Story

Despite a few flashes of humor, a lackluster story and the lack of chemistry between Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom isn’t a terrible film. In fact, it’s better than most of the other DCEU movies we’ve seen lately. It just suffers from the same major problem that its predecessor did: a lack of distinct identity.

The film starts off with a weird, clumsy, and self-aware moment in which Arthur Curry (Momoa) explains that no one thinks he’s dorky for loving being a superhero. It’s a trite and unfunny joke that sets the tone for the rest of the film, which feels like a jumbled medley of imitations from different kinds of films.

Also Read > Aaron Eckhart Filmography

There’s a bit of an eco fable, where Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is trying to accelerate global warming by burning Atlantean super fuel; a half-baked revenge saga; and a few other miscellaneous subplots. But mostly it’s just a straight-up action movie, filled with a lot of kaiju mayhem and a lot of exposition about a rare metal called orichalcum that is apparently the ultimate power source for all of mankind. It gets a little less confusing when the film focuses on Arthur and King Orn’s bickering, which gives the movie its strongest moments. It almost feels like a buddy comedy at times, with Momoa and Wilson delivering some of the more straight-up funny dialogue in the entire film.

The Cast

The cast in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is solid overall. Jason Momoa is the highlight as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, he makes the movie worth watching. He’s funny, engaging and a good hero, even though the film is pretty brainless. He’s joined by Patrick Wilson as his half-brother Orm, who has a Van Heflin quality and wants to destroy everything the hero touches. The movie also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen as the aforementioned Black Manta, a cardboard cutout angry villain who has a strange zeal to “thank god for global warming.”

Amber Heard is back as Mera, Arthur’s wife and mute princess of the underwater kingdom of Xebel, but she doesn’t have nearly as much to do this time around. It’s been reported that the role was reworked to minimize Heard’s involvement after her defamation lawsuit with Johnny Depp, but she does still play a key part in the story.

Other notables include Game of Thrones’ Pilou Asbaek and Indya Moore, as well as Randall Park and Judy Blackett in smaller roles. Jani Zhao plays Stingray, a character that appears to be brand new for this film and she does a solid job in her debut. The movie also features cameos from Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, but it ignores the larger DC universe altogether and just focuses on Arthur.

The Visuals

The big lug who talks to fish is back in a chintzy blast of machismo in this sequel to the highest-grossing DCEU film to date. Returning director James Wan, star Jason Momoa and an almost identical cast take on Black Manta, the deposed usurper bent on accelerating global warming by burning Atlantean superfuel. The movie, however, feels like a letdown in the wake of the DCEU’s other recent sequels and reboots (not to mention all of the behind-the-scenes drama, divorce and reshoots).

Wan and his team once again craft a dazzlingly colorful world, but it’s the characters that are left wanting. The movie’s Cain and Abel plot, with Arthur jibing his brother Orm like two battling Stepp Brothers, is a lot of fun — but it’s hampered by overbearing earnestness.

Kids will enjoy it for its crude humor and bright visuals, but adults may find the film too self-consciously hokey and overly reliant on cutaways of Momoa shouting profanity to keep it moving forward. Still, it’s far better than many of the other DCEU films have been and it gives hope to the possibility that the studio hasn’t completely lost its touch. But the franchise might be better off with a hard reboot than another mediocre outing.

The Bottom Line

While the story may have lost its way a bit in this sequel, the film still manages to work thanks to the presence of Jason Momoa as Arthur. The character is a fun, goofy hero and that alone helps to carry this movie through the rough patches.

The action scenes are fast-paced and exciting, and the visuals always look amazing. James Wan is a master at what he does and the underwater world that he has created in this film is nothing short of spectacular.

There’s also a lot of humor and “yahoo” moments in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and this is probably one of the reasons that it will appeal to a wider audience than the first movie. Momoa and Wilson are a great combination and they have some terrific chemistry together.

The script, however, lacks inspiration. It focuses on rearranging the elements that people liked about the original instead of deepening them. The result is a chintzy blast of machismo that is definitely better than some of the other films in this franchise but not enough to save it from a quick DCEU reboot.

The post Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review appeared first on Guest Column.

From action thrillers to emotional dramas, Aaron Eckhart has shown his wide-ranging talent by starring in a number of flixtor films over the years. Aaron Edward Eckhart is an American actor with a diverse filmography. Let’s learn about his career and some of his notable works:

Early Life 

Aaron Eckhart, born in the United States to Mary Martha and James Conrad Eckhart, is an American citizen of Caucasian ethnicity. He attended American Community School and American International School of Sydney for high school before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1994. He is the youngest of four children and claims to be of Caucasian ethnicity.

Also Read > Heath Ledger Filmography

Entry into the Entertainment Industry

While still in high school, Aaron made his acting debut in the thriller Double Jeopardy, which came out in 1992. The 1993 thriller Slaughter of the Innocents had him in it. In 1996, he was in the American sci-fi/fantasy series Aliens in the Family. One was the black comedy Your Friends & Neighbors, and the other was the American crime thriller black comedy Thursday. Both came out in 1998. In 2006, he was in a lot of movies, such as Conversations with Other Women, The Wicker Man, and The Black Dahlia. As well as Love Happens (2009), Battle: Los Angeles (2011), Erased (2012), Olympus Has Fallen (2013), I, Frankenstein (2014), and London Has Fallen (2015), Aaron Eckhart has been in all of these movies. Aaron is currently working on the movies Bleed for This and Sully, which are coming out soon. Aaron Eckhart has always been one of the best actors in his work.

Recognition and Awards: 

In 2007, Aaron Eckhart received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Debut Performance for “Thank You for Smoking.” He also received nominations for Best Debut Performance for “In the Company of Men” (1998) and Best Male Lead for “Rabbit Hole” (2011). Eckhart also received Satellite Awards for Outstanding New Talent and a Taormina International Film Festival Best Actor award. He won an Excellence in Acting Award for “Rabbit Hole” at the 2011 Denver International Film Festival. He also received Best Actor nominations at the 2010 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards and CinEuphoria Award nominations for Best Actor – International Competition and Best Duo – International Competition (shared with Nicole Kidman). The cast of “The Dark Knight” won Best Ensemble awards from the Awards Circuit Community Awards, Central Ohio Film Critics Association, and People’s Choice Awards. Aaron also received Best Supporting Actor nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, Golden Schmoes Awards, and a Scream Award for Best Villain for “The Dark Knight.”

The post Aaron Eckhart Filmography appeared first on Guest Column.

Early Life and Entry into the Entertainment Industry 

Heath Ledger, born to Kim Ledger and Sally Ledger Bell, had English, Irish, and Scottish roots. He separated from his parents at ten and divorced at eleven. Ledger attended Mary’s Mount Primary School and Guildford Grammar School. At ten, he starred as Peter Pan in a school production. Driven by his passion for acting, he left formal education at 17 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Also Read > Difference Between Hearing and Listening

Ledger made his television debut in 1996 with “Roar.” He continued to improve his acting skills with projects like “The Brothers Grimm” and “Brokeback Mountain.” His dedication and talent earned him numerous awards.Here is a detailed overview of his career and achievements:

10 Things I Hate About You (1999):

In this romantic comedy, Ledger played the role of Patrick Verona, a rebellious high school student who falls in love with Julia Stiles’ character.

The Patriot (2000):

Ledger portrayed Gabriel Martin, a young man caught up in the American Revolutionary War. His performance showcased both bravery and vulnerability.

A Knight’s Tale (2001):

In this medieval adventure gomovies film, Ledger starred as William Thatcher, a peasant who poses as a knight to compete in jousting tournaments. His charisma and humor shone through.

Monster’s Ball (2001):

Ledger had a supporting role in this intense drama, sharing the screen with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton. His portrayal left a lasting impact.

Brokeback Mountain (2005):

One of Ledger’s most iconic roles, he played Ennis Del Mar, a ranch hand who shares a forbidden love affair with Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. The film received critical acclaim, and Ledger’s performance was exceptional.

Casanova (2005):

In this romantic comedy-drama, Ledger portrayed the legendary lover Casanova. His charm and wit made the character memorable.

Lords of Dogtown (2005):

Based on a true story, Ledger played Skip Engblom, a mentor to a group of young skateboarders. His portrayal captured the rebellious spirit of the era.

Candy (2006):

Ledger starred alongside Abbie Cornish in this heartbreaking drama about love, addiction, and self-destruction. His raw and emotional performance was haunting.

I’m Not There (2007):

In a unique approach, Ledger was one of six actors who portrayed different aspects of Bob Dylan’s life and persona. His segment as Robbie Clark showcased his versatility.

The Dark Knight (2008):

Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s Batman film is legendary. His intense, chaotic performance earned him posthumous acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Recognition and Awards: 

Heath Ledger, a renowned actor, has won numerous awards and recognitions for his roles in films such as “The Dark Knight,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Monster’s Ball,” and “I’m Not There.” He was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Knight,” and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Brokeback Mountain.” Ledger also won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for “The Dark Knight.” His legacy is etched in the annals of cinematic history, with his talent, dedication, and versatility being celebrated by audiences and fellow artists alike.

The post Heath Ledger Filmography appeared first on Guest Column.