Aquaman, the punchline of every joke within the DC Comics Universe, recently underwent a 21st Century reboot thanks to Geoff Johns. Going from a laughable afterthought to the warrior king of Atlantis, Johns gave ample proof that his Aquaman was not the Dolphin-riding chump of yesteryear. Does the newest entry in the DC Animated Original Movie line-up stay true to Johns' vision of the classic comic character? Indeed it does!
Picking up where last year's Justice League: War left off, the new film is pretty much a by the books origin story that introduces the character of Aquaman into the New 52 version of the DC Animated Universe. Wonderfully voiced by Matt Lanter (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Arthur Curry is presented as a depressed and dismal soul following the death of his father. We soon discover, however, that he's more than he appears. Equipped with super strength and knife-proof skin, it is quite clear that this is the type of guy you don't want to be messing with.
As the film progresses, fans learn more of Arthur's childhood and his mysterious connection to the fabled city of Atlantis, but this results in the other members of the newly formed Justice League taking the backseat on this adventure. However, with this being an origin story focusing on Aquaman, we're fine with that fact.
This is not to say that said story is without flaws. When the film begins, we feel sorry for Arthur given his lonely plight following the death of his father. Yet, as things progress, and he begins to discover who he really is, things seem to move along rather more quickly than they should have. Before we know it, Arthur has embraced his destiny of being the king of Atlantis and is delivering empowering Russell Crowe-esque speeches in an effort to bridge peace between the surface world and that of his underwater kingdom. But, we do realize that the movie only had a 75-minute run-time. As a result, some things were going to feel rushed with this one from the get-go, but we're willing to let it slide.
There are still plenty of things to love about this film. For one thing, we are, once again, treated to some interesting dynamics within the ranks of the Justice League. Whether it's Batman and Green Lantern butting heads, Superman and Wonder Woman starting a romantic relationship, or Cyborg and Shazam continuing their bro-mance, this film features some great chemistry between League members. So, while they are under-utilized this time around, we're still treated to plenty of the same great dialogue that made Justice League: War so top notch!
In addition, director Ethan Spaulding (Batman: Assault on Arkham) has once again crafted a quality DCU animated film featuring superb animation, supreme voice acting and an action-packed climax that, may not be as big in scale as that seen in Justice League: War, is still plenty of fun.
Each part within the film has, once again, been cast extremely well. Made up mostly of talent returning from Justice League: War, including Jason O'Mara (Batman), Sean Astin (Shazam), Shemar Moore (Cyborg), Christopher Gorham (Flash) and George Newbern (Steve Trevor), the cast also includes the likes of DCU vets Jerry O'Connell (Justice League) as Superman, Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman) as Wonder Woman and Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern: Emerald Knights) as Green Lantern. Joining Matt Lanter in the Atlantean department the cast also includes Sam Witwer (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Orm, Sumalee Montano (Beware the Batman) as Mera and Harry Lennix (Man of Steel) as Black Manta. Again, the cast is supreme, and each does a great job of delivering their parts in a full, dynamic manner.
So, while Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is not without flaws, it's another great entry in the DC Animated Universe. Screenwriter Heath Corson has taken Geoff Johns' source material and condensed it into a 75-minute origin story that does exactly what it is supposed to do - introduce the New 52 version of Aquaman into the DC Animated Universe. It's fun, action-packed and beautifully presented in a way fans are sure to enjoy.
Honestly, this one needs to be in your library. While it may not be the best of the best, it's still a great addition to the DC Animated Universe. If you're a fan of Geoff Johns' work, the New 52 Animated Universe or quality animation that features great voice acting and an overall top notch presentation, than Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is for you! It won't take long for you to see why this Aquaman ain't your daddy's King of the Seven Seas.
Look for Justice League: Throne of Atlantis on Blu-Ray and DVD Now!
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Article Published:
2015-02-27 10:51:20