Aquaman early reactions praise Jason Momoa and call it 'best DC film since The Dark Knight'

The early word on James Wan's 'ambitious' standalone DC film is largely positive

Warner Bros has unveiled its standalone Aquaman film after what seems like an eternity of promotion.

Despite making his debut in 2016 film Batman v Superman, the character – real name Arthur Curry – is only just receiving the solo treatment in a spectacle starring original Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman and, in what was originally a secret role, Julie Andrews.

Compared with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the majority of films released as part of the DC Extended Universe have had a fairly rough ride with the critics: Batman v Superman was maligned, as were mash-ups Suicide Squad – which starred Jared Leto as Joker – and Justice League.

The jewel in its crown thus far has been Wonder Woman, the Gal Gadot-starring period adventure which made Patty Jenkins the most successful female director of all time. A sequel will follow in 2019.

But what’s the verdict on Aquaman? If the first reactions are anything to go by, it seems the fish king can sit alongside Wonder Woman as a DCEU success story.

The consensus is that the film, while a bizarre watch filled with divisive moments, delivers on action and somehow makes talking to fish look normal.

“I can’t believe how big, creative, and crazy it gets,” Mike Rougeau wrote on Twitter, with Paul Shirey adding – somewhat controversially – that ”it’s the best Marvel movie DC has made” insofar that it feels like a film that knows what it is, what it’s selling and who it’s selling to.” This sentiment was echoed by Slashfilm's Petter Sciretta who added: "It’s at its best when it’s having fun and not taking itself too seriously."

IGN's Tom Jorgensen has branded it "the best DC movie since The Dark Knight".

Praise has largely been reserved for Momoa’s portrayal as well as the technical prowess of director James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring).

Aquaman reviews are embargoed until 11 December ahead of its release on 14 December.