DC EXTENDED UNIVERSE |
AQUAMAN: THRONE OF ATLANTIS! |
With the first chapter of the DC Extended Universe beginning to enter it's endgame. We'd continue this crazy journey across it's universe which had already taken us into it's criminal underworld, out into space, back to the past, in a modern world filled with meta humans and of course into Space. This time however we'd instead make the voyage to the under water kingdom of Atlantis. However before we focused on the present of Atlantis we'd learn a little about it's former history. Shown at one time to be a prospering land led by it's noble ruler King Atlan (David Harbour). Atlan wished to unite all of the continents in an effort to further strengthen their lands with a peace treaty. Sadly this was not a trait which was shared by his brother Orin (Chris Pine). In what we'd see which was a trait shared by a lot of atlanteans Orin was always a believer that pure bloods were superior. Sadly this prejudice and racial superiority would be a trait shared by many atlanteans. However they was all loyal to the king bar of a select few who sided with Orin and his plot to stage a coup. During this takeover however we'd see tragedy arise as Atlan's family was killed by Orin and his associates. Atlan meanwhile would be thought to be dead as Orin assumed the throne for himself. What he and his followers didn't realize however was Atlan never died in this attack. While he may have been badly wounded and forced into hiding. It was in this hiding we'd see just what desperation and revenge could do to even the most noblest of individuals. As while in hiding Atlan developed a plan for revenge and weaponry which made him capable of doing just that. Returning to Atlantis with designs to tear his former kingdom down, Atlan would see that in his time away his brother had brought war among the nations with his behavior and beliefs of purity in their race. Wanting revenge and also a chance to start a new Atlan you use his weaponry to slay his brother and the betrayers before he'd submerge Atlantis and it's surrounding lands beneath the oceans. This act would change the face of Atlantis and it's rival continents forever. As while the Atlanteans and Xebelians would adapt to their surroundings. Others would mutate further taking forms of creatures of the sea with some turning into creatures referred to only as the Trench. While he may have returned to the thron these actions had changed Atlan from the man and ruler he once was. Shown to have become cold and embittered, a weakened Atlan would make Atlanna (Winnona Ryder) his new wife. Believed to always be an adventurer and wandering spirit, Atlanna longed for a life free of her chains and this abusive relationship. Atlan however would be well aware of what his wife would be looking to accomplish and kept her very much under armed guard. On one night in particular Atlanna would manage to finally get her wish and make an escape. What made this night in particular the opportune moment for Atlanna was a storm waging through the seas as a result of a hurricane. Using the strong currents to travel and make passage. Atlanna managed to escape from Atlantis but it came at a cost as she'd be badly injured in this escape which led to her washing ashore in Amnesty Bay, Maine. Here she would be discovered by a lighthouse keeper Tom Curry (Greg Kinnear). A former naval man turned humble lighthouse keeper Tom Curry didn't see any threat or danger in the mysterious woman washing up on his shores. Instead he saw someone in need and did all he could to save her. Braving the storm in an attempt to save her, Tom Curry would nearly be washed asea himself before he and Atlanna would work together in an effort to save one another and find refuge. Over time this unlikely duo would form a connection. One greater than the dispassionate loveless relationship she had with Atlan. Here Atlanna felt truly at home in this humble setting and she and Tom would begin to plan a life together. This would be a life which included the birth of their son Arthur who as we'd learn was the first human/atlantean child. Of course while the years may have passed and saw Atlanna move on from her past. Sadly her past didn't move on from here and eventually Atlantean soldiers would find her. Facing an impossible choice Atlanna would opt to head home in the goal to keep her son hidden and her beloved safe. On retuning home however she'd find that Atlantis had changed since her last time here. With Atlan having left not long after that storm and presumed dead, an atlantean nobleman Orvax (Zachary Levi) took the throne. While Orvax was shown to be quite the charismatic leader he was also shown to be highly abusive and abraisive. In fact it would be through Orvax that segregation in Atlantis resumed as he took Atlanna as his new queen. Shown to constantly feel a need to prove his superiority Orvax longed for war with thos above the sea as he deemed the air breathers to be beneath him. Orvax's cruel nature would extend to his family also as he long enjoyed tormenting Atlanna and their two children. The youngest daughter Tula (Georgia Hirst), was never seen as good enough for her gender by her father. While his son Orm (Karl Urban) truly took the brunt of his abuse. In fact his cruel nature would very much shape part of Orm's character throughout the film. While shown to be a great military mind, Orvax's arrogance was very much failing him as despite the warnings of some elders his plots and attacks above the sea would drawn the attention of the US government and military. This included a low level grunt by the name of Storm (Steven Berkoff) who saw his entire crew slain by Atlantean guards. As the years went on Orvax's cruel nature would begin to rub off on Orm and this is where Atlanna drew the line. Plotting an escape with helps of an elder by the name of Vulko (Jonathan Rhys Davies), Atlanna would be horrified to be confronted by Orvax who taunted her about her shortsightedness. Mocking her for running out on her children before revealing he was well aware this wasn't the first time she'd abandoned a child. Orvax's arrogance would soon cost him as in a fit of rage Atlanna would kill the king before fleeing the capital. Enabling her escape would be Vulko but while Atlanna's plan was to reunite her family once she'd made a safe escape. What she didn't consider was the changes that Orvax's behavior had taken on their son. Believing his mother had vanished as part of a targeted attack against the people of Atlantis. Orm deemed Vulko a traitor which caused Vulko to go into hiding. While Orm's rule very much saw him carrying over with the same xenophobia as his father. We'd see Orm further investment into his sister's training as she led one of the most impressive Atlantean units known as the Drift. On top of this Orm would task Murk (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) as the leader of the Atlantean guard while he'd also assign Ragnar (Clive Standen) as his personal chief of security. It must be noted that of everyone mentioned here it was Ragnar who truly shared the hatred and xenophobia in Orm's soul. The target of Orm's hatred genuinely was the surface world as he looked to do something neither Atlan or his father had. This was to unite his kingdom with that of Xebel. In order to do so however he'd need to do it by marriage. Of course while we'd see what was going on in Atlantis we'd also be privy to the life of Arthur Curry above the see. Unlike perhaps many fathers in these films Tom Curry never hid from Arthur what his lineage was. In fact he was proud of his son and loved him for who he was. Seeing that his son had gifts further than capabilities Tom was truly looking to encourage Arthur to embrace his heritage. However Tom was also aware of the dangers that the outside world posed and he encouraged Arthur to be selective with his gifts until he at least fully understood and could control his gifts. Shown to be an ambitious, driven and a natural problem solver. Arthur would be a popular student who formed a close friendship with Erika Watson (Milyana Vantub). While Arthur's path at the time wasn't certain, Erika longed to be a detective and it would be Arthur who encouraged her to do so. In order to help Arthur further understand where he come from and what he's capable of. Tom Curry reached out to a marine biologist by the name of Stephen Shin (Hiroyuki Sanada). Long obsessed with the ocean and the stories of Atlantis. Shin while skeptical at first of Curry's story but on seeing the telepathy Arthur shared with aquatic creatures. Shin would soon be convinced of Arthur's atlantean heritage. While Shin's help may have been to satiate Shin's curiosity we'd soon see another ally emerge to help Arthur. As while Atlanna was believed to have perished in a maelstrom. We'd find out that Vulko had manage to track down Arthur and after introducing himself to Arthur and his father Tom. Vulko would tell him of Atlantis and his belief that Arthur should be the king capable of uniting the world above and beneath the sea. While Arthur may have been hesitant of this he'd soon begin training with Vulko who helped him fully understand his capabilities and gifts. Sadly while Vulko proved to be a valued ally, the same could not be said for Shin who we'd learn was looking to experiment on Arthur and his DNA. This would be at the behest of Storm who by this time had become a high ranking admiral. On realizing this betrayal Tom Curry would knock out Stephen Shin with a punch before he would take his son and flee to the coast. Looking to do what is best for his son, Tom asked Vulko to take his boy. While Arthur may not have wanted to go we'd see the arrival of Storm's men spur Tom into action as he drew a gun and their attention long enough for Arthur and Vulko to escape while Tom sacrificed himself. As part of his attempts to unite the underwater kingdoms against their enemies. Prince Orm would meet with King Ryus (Graham McTavish) who was the leader of Xebel. Shown to be a leader of men and a fearsome general. King Ryus was all for tradition and it was his belief that unity would be best reached with a wedding. Looking at his two daughters Mera (Emma Stone) and Hila (Halston Sage). Ryus knew he had a decision to make about who would become queen of Atlantis. While Mera may not have shared the most harmonious relationship with her Father and had at times questioned tradition. Hila was looked upon a lot less favorably, this was down to her entitled nature and bratty behavior which very much were not fitting of a queen to Ryus. Of course by choosing Mera however, Ryus unintentionally further drew these two sisters apart as Hila was forever enraged by this split and held a grudge. While Ryus may have been blinded by the concept of tradition and unity, Mera's eyes were fully open to the fact that Orm was not a worthy of the title of king. As we'd come to see however she was not the only one believing of this. While Vulko himself also saw Arthur as a potential king and prepared to bring him before Atlantis when he was ready. An atlantean elder by the name of Leot (Julian Richings) had machinations of his own. Conspiring with an atlantean magic user by the name of Hagen (Christopher Walken) who had long foretold of Atlantis doom. The pair were looking to elect noted war criminal and wanted fugitive Corum Rath (Marton Csokas) as the king of Atlantis. A ruthless individual and a leader of the terrorist sect known as the Deluge. Shown to be merciless, unpredictable, bloodthirsty and sadistic. Corum Rath may not have been the atypical choice for king but across a proud continent of individuals looking for true leadership. Rath was shown to be a true leader of men capable of garnering his share of followers. What would further his claim and influence would be the arrival of Arthur in Atlantis as he would be flanked by Vulko. The arrival of Arthur would send shockwaves through the kingdom. For while some like Ragnar were disgusted at the arrival of this hybrid. Others like Tula and Murk while hesitant seemed open to reason of Arthur's claim. This arrival would also alter Ryus' beliefs on uniting their people as he said that his daughter would marry the king. Of course with Arthur's claim contrasting his own Orm would show himself to be quite conflicted. As while he'd always longed for a brother, Orm's prejudice wouldn't allow himself to truly recognize the human side of Arthur. This turmoil however would allow Leot and Hagen to continue to sow seeds of doubt through the kingdom. What truly however sent things over the edge was a series of attacks launched on Atlantis from Lord Wexel (Josh Charles) and his race of jellyfish people. This was a targeted attack with Wexel and his group going after Orm and it was in this battle that Arthur would show his progression as he helped fight off these attackers which earned him the respect of Murk once and for all. Tula meanwhile would look to begin to bond with her brother and make an attempt to get to know him while Orm warned that Wexel and his people wouldn't stop. Further adding to these woes would be attacks from above the sea by Admiral Storm and his men. Here is where we'd learn as part of his plot to overthrow Atlantis, Corum Rath sought total destruction to rebuild it in his image. While Hagen served this loyally Leot did not and he was quick to flee and hope to save his own skin. With news of his plot spilling out through Atlantis, Corum Rath's rage only intensified as he upped the offense on Atlantis. This in turn would see an alliance formed as Xebel, Atlantis, Orm and Aquaman all united to face off against it's enemies. While Orm took part in a battle with Corum Rath he'd be aided by Vulko who fought against Hagen. At the same time Aquaman himself would head above the waters with Mera, Murk and Tula to combat Admiral Storm and his men. Showing her true colors Hila would flee the battle and turn against her own father and people in response for them not naming her queen. Above the land a livid Storm would soon see his men defeated by Aquaman and his troops. While the atlanteans showed a lot of restraint Arthur here would make a hard choice as he used his strength and powers to kill Storm and end Storm's war against the ocean once and for all. As he ordered his allies to return down to the depths however Arthur found himself confronted by Ragnar. While many of the Atlanteans could abide and fight by his side. Ragnar was not one of them and he swore he was doing what was best for Atlantis. In this ensuing battle however Ragnar indirectly would prove Arthur's worthiness as an Atlantean as an enraged Arthur used his telepathy to take command of the seas and we'd see Ragnar attacked and carried off by sharks. Seeing many of his men forfeiting on witnessing Arthur's powers Corum Rath continued to fight against Orm while Hagen would be cut down by Vulko. Lord Wexel meanwhile on realising that this war was fully orchestrated by Corum Rath would at least for now stop himself and his men from fighting. This would allow Arthur to enter the fray and together Arthur and Orm would unite to defeat Corum Rath once and for all with Orm delivering the killing bro. But with Corum Rath defeated now would be time to decide just who would lead Atlantis. Despite having been seen as an outsider Arthur's fight had very much won him a lot of support and this didn't go unnoticed by Orm. Yet not wanting to stand down himself Orm with regret seemed to want to settle this by combat when he and Arthur would be stunned by the arrival of Atlanna. With their mother present who made it clear that she had no wish to see her son's die. Orm would surprisingly kneel to his brother as he sought peace for the first time in his life. Recognized as the new king of Atlantis, Arthur as Ryus would state needed a queen and mentioned his daughter Mera. Of course both Arthur and Mera seemed against this simply as in what made for a refreshing change, the duo agreed to get to know one another to see if they would be a fit before arranging this marriage. Orm meanwhile would elect to travel the oceans in order to find his way having had his eyes opened by his brother. Leot meanwhile would be imprisoned for his crimes as Vulko agreed to serve as Arthur's advisor. Tula and Murk would agree to act as the new king's royal guard with Tula eager to get to know her brother. Yet before the film would end Arthur made it clear that he would unify the surface world with the world beneath the sea and said he had to venture up there in order to do so. Which is why to close the film, he'd ask Mera to lead Atlantis in his place. With the Aquaman movie coming to an end we'd see a post credit scene focusing on Arthur visiting a terrified Stephen Shin as he says it's time that the doctor makes amends for what he's done! |
CREDITS Alexander Skarsgard as Arthur Curry/Aquaman Emma Stone as Mera Graham McTavish as King Ryus Winnona Ryder as Queen Atlanna Karl Urban as Orm Marius/Ocean Master Greg Kinnear as Tom Curry Jonathan Rhys Davies as Nudis Vulko Marton Csokas as Corum Rath Milana Vanytub as Erika Watson Hiroyuki Sanada as Stephen Shin Julian Richings as Leot Jonathan Rhys Myers as Murk Steven Berkoff as Admiral Storm Georgia Hirst as Tula Christopher Walken as Hagen Josh Charles as Lord Wexel Clive Standen as Ragnar Halston Sage as Hila |