James Wan’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is the last film in the decade-spanning DCEU franchise, which began with Zack Snyder’s 2013 “Man of Steel”, before the superhero universe gets a James Gunn reboot with “Superman: Legacy” in 2025.

One can’t help but feel the palpable excitement, heightened stakes, and fan expectations. Regrettably, what could have been an awe-inspiring oceanic superhero epic finds itself navigating murky waters.

The film unfolds with a formulaic plot, an uninspiring antagonist, and characters that barely scratch the surface, offering sporadic superhero spectacle.

Fortunately, the film’s duration is a merciful 124 minutes, maintaining a steady pace throughout.

A direct sequel to Wan’s 2018 “Aquaman,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” follows Arthur Curry, portrayed by the charismatic Jason Momoa, as he grapples with the responsibilities of fatherhood and his role as the king of Atlantis. Unbeknownst to him, Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, seizes the mythical Black Trident, unleashing an ancient malevolence upon the seas.

In a surprising turn of events, Aquaman teams up with his estranged half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), setting aside their underwater conflicts to prevent impending doom and save Atlantis and the world.

The film oscillates between two distinct tones, seemingly by Wan’s design.

On one hand, there is light-hearted banter, clichéd motivational speeches, and forced dad jokes, typical of Momoa’s Aquaman.

On the other, a darker undercurrent emerges through Black Manta’s relentless pursuit of vengeance, delving into the deeper, more ominous realms of the ocean.

Arguably, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” would have done so much better if this was the prevailing tone throughout the film as it would have given the story so much depth and gravitas that audiences nowadays expect.

Critically, the film suffers from lacklustre writing, with a plot that lacks compelling elements to drive the narrative forward. The predictability and absence of standout moments contribute to a two-dimensional experience, whether exploring the lighter or darker aspects of the film.

In regard to the antagonist, it’s hard to overlook the subpar crafting of the villain and his motivations. The choices made by Black Manta come across as questionable and ill-conceived, a stark departure from the intelligence one would expect from such a character. It’s a missed opportunity to showcase the depth and cunning that a character of his calibre could have brought to the storyline.

In a recent interview with FMT Lifestyle, Wan labelled “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” as a “good old-fashioned revenge story”. Unfortunately, this narrative element failed to serve as the driving force behind the film, lacking the compelling impact one would anticipate.

Furthermore, expositional dumps reveal crucial information, diminishing the potential for a more engaging viewing experience. Delaying certain revelations until the climax could have added excitement and surprise.

For instance, audiences find out about the origins of the Black Trident midway through the film. And when the climax arrives, there is nothing much to look forward to or be surprised with.

Jason Mamoa as Aquaman was entertaining to watch. His trashy-mouthed, pop culture referencing Curry was enjoyable. However, there wasn’t any character growth, depth or compelling motivations for the character. It almost seemed like a disservice to Mamoa who gave a nuanced performance as Khal Drogo in the “Game of Thrones” series.

Wilson definitely gave a standout performance as Orm. The “Conjuring” actor brought many layers to the redemptive arc of the character, and it was simply delicious.

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is not without its epic seafaring battle sequences.

For instance, when Aquaman and Black Manta face off for the first time, their tridents clash in a hurricane of fury, sending shockwaves through the ocean depths. The very fabric of the ocean seemed to tear as their battle raged.

Overall, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is worth a watch for cheap thrills and some stunning underwater sequences. However, the film gets lost at sea with its predictable storyline and unmemorable characters.

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is screening in cinemas nationwide.