It would be nice to say at this point that it’s a surprise that any DC film is getting negative reviews during the screenings but so far even Aquaman is something that doesn’t seem to inspire a lot of confidence. Even with Jason Momoa, who’s been proving that he can at least act like the typecast character he’s usually portrayed as, the movie doesn’t seem to be garnering that many good reviews from anyone but the actors. That’s less than hopeful really since they’re too close to the whole thing to really be that negative about it, especially when the release date is still several months out. Aquaman though was a film that was supposed to be able to bring some credibility back to the DCEU after so many movies that have been spent digging a hole for its reputation to sink into.
Right now it would likely be very easy to blame Zack Snyder for a lot of this mess as his take on the whole DC universe so far has been dark, depressing, and extremely nihilistic. DC superheroes have always been above and beyond when it comes to their power sets and their lack of believable weaknesses, but Arthur Curry is perhaps one of them that was a little more believable. Maybe that’s part of the problem, Aquaman has almost always been somewhat weaker than the rest of them in terms of strength, durability, and intelligence, so it could be that right now those that are watching the screenings aren’t thinking that his story is up to DC par. That would actually be an upside really if you want an honest opinion.
Anyone want to know why Marvel superheroes tend to fit better with people? They’re not gods. Even those characters who are gods aren’t so ridiculously overpowered that they can’t be hurt. Look at Thor, in the first movie he was relegated to the status of a regular human being and was able to be taken down with a common taser. Or even look at Odin. The guy eventually had to take a rest after so long just to replenish his energy. He didn’t have to just bask in the light of a sun or jump into the water to be refreshed. Marvel superheroes and villains have had believable limits for a lot longer than DC heroes and villains have, and it makes them easier to relate to. Sure they’re all super-powered and even the regular humans have insanely high limits, but they have them all the same.
Aquaman is perhaps one of the most limited characters in the Justice League and for that he’s a little more admirable since he’s still able to contribute. If he were as intelligent as Batman and strong as Wonder Woman or Superman then he’d be just another stereotypical DC superhero. But maybe it’s the fact that he does have his limits that is sitting ill with test audiences so far. If that’s the case he could always make a monumental switch to Marvel. It seems fair to say that he’d be welcome by at least a few people and appreciated by fans. If not the character, then maybe Momoa would like to make the switch. You know fans would go nuts for it.
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