It’s been five years since the first Aquaman film. The first one was rather slow and dragged at times. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also drags a bit, but only briefly. Director James Wan brings this new chapter of Aquaman more surprises and more fascinating moving parts. As a result, it is at least several notches above the original film.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom takes place with Arthur Curry/Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa) as the king of Atlantis and a member of the Justice League. He took over the throne after defeating his brother King Orm/Ocean Master (played by Patrick Wilson) in the first film. Arthur Curry/Aquaman also has a child with his wife Mira (played by Amber Heard). When an enemy with vengeance, David Kane/Manta (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), comes around aiming to regain power by building his evil empire, Aquaman and Ocean Master must come together to fight off the threat.

I watched Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 3D and I strongly recommend that viewers do the same. It adds to the enjoyment and makes you feel much more in tune with the film. The correct use of 3D in a superhero movie is where there are many objects flying at the viewer’s face, and there is lots of that in this film. The writing in the film seems at times to throw pieces together a little too quickly, but it doesn’t detract much from the exhilaration. And Mamoa’s performance keeps that classy vibe intact while also adding a few giggles into the action. I was enthralled by Mamoa’s humor. The film also dives into superhero encouragement while keeping the positive tune flowing. There is some revisiting of dark moments from the previous film, but that doesn’t stop this sequel from being entertaining.

The relationship between Arthur Curry/Aquaman and his brother King Orm/Ocean Master has that love/hate chemistry that flows through their adventures. They come across dangers above ground and underwater—including encounters with talking bugs, talking squids, and other bizarre creatures. The main weapon of destruction is the Trident (as always). In my eyes the trident should be called the “Trident of Triumph”.

One of the issues with this and other sequels is that tackiness can sneak in. In addition, in the DC universe the films often lack proper development of the storyline or characters. But Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom manages to dodge both of those issues. It has a solid foundation with more to offer in the future.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a technologically cinematic and encouraging film that has some short moments of boredom. It is a sequel where the storyline creates steppingstones that will continue to build the story. But what will fate hold for Arthur Curry/Aquaman—heroism or failure? Go watch the film in 3D and find out for yourself. Three out of four stars for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.