Picking up where Justice League: War left off, Throne Of Atlantis is the latest in the long line of DC Universe Animated Movies. It's out on DVD January 27th, but is already available digitally on a variety of streaming services. Essentially it is a rebooted origin story for Aquaman, to fit in with DC's New 52.
The world is at peace...or so it seems. There is unrest in Atlantis as Prince Orm/Ocean Master has designs on attacking and subjugating the surface world. But Queen Atlanna has different plans, plans for goodwill and harmony. But to bring these plans to fruition she needs the assistance of the Justice League to find her lost son, Arthur Curry, who can bring about the peace she so desires - because he is of both worlds, human and Atlanean. While the Justice League searches for Curry, Atlantean troops, lead by Ocean Master, unleash an all-out assault on Metropolis.
Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis suffers from an issue which is often a common complaint with DCs range of animated movies - it's not long enough. The strict hour and a quarter given to every release often hinders character development and story telling, and this is one of the worst cases I have seen.
We aren't really presented with any background on Arthur Curry, he just goes from being a depressed drunk to King material as quick as you can say "Aquaman". He gains understanding of his powers from cut scene to cut scene with no trials or tribulations to face. Thanks to the lack of development I felt zero emotional attachment to the character, his whole plight seems hollow, so when he has personal tragedy in his life I barely felt it. Compare that to some of DCs previous releases (The Flashpoint Paradox would be a good example) and you can see why this is such a disappointment - I know DC can do so much better.
It's not all bad news. There is some character development for other members of the League, primarily the romance between Superman and Wonder Woman. Animation wise, Throne Of Atlantis looks great, and all the vocal actors are brilliant (I'm really liking Jason O'Mara's Batman now). But these positives are not enough and you're left feeling that the movie was a huge wasted opportunity. Aquaman deserved a better feature than this, I have no problem with the story per se but 74 minutes just can't do it justice. If this had been an hour and a half, and more time given to flesh out Arthur Curry then we may have a 7/10, as is I'd give it a 3.
Previously
Superman: Doomsday
Justice League: The New Frontier
Batman: Gotham Knight
Wonder Woman
Green Lantern: First Flight
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
All-Star Superman
Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Batman: Year One
Justice League: Doom
Superman vs The Elite
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Superman: Unbound
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Justice League: War
Batman: Son of Batman
Batman: Assault on Arkham
