Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023Action, Adventure

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Aquaman's back for round two with underwater CGI battles and brotherly bonding that'll entertain for 124 minutes, then vanish from memory.

5.6/10

33%

79%

6.6

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Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

movie

PG-13, 2023, Action, Adventure

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Aquaman's back for round two with underwater CGI battles and brotherly bonding that'll entertain for 124 minutes, then vanish from memory.

5.6

33%

6.6

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5.6/10

33%

6.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Aquaman 2 is the cinematic equivalent of a participation trophy—it exists, it checks boxes, and it'll keep kids occupied for two hours without causing nightmares or teaching them anything particularly harmful OR useful.

The brotherly reconciliation angle is nice enough, and there's something to be said for movies that model cooperation even between people who don't like each other. But with a TMDB rating hovering around 'meh' and no critical buzz, this is firmly in 'forgettable sequel' territory.

It's safe-ish for the superhero-movie-watching crowd (expect standard PG-13 violence), but don't expect enrichment beyond 'bad guys are bad, family is important, oceans are cool.' If your kid is deep into the DC universe or just loves underwater stuff, sure. Otherwise, there are better ways to spend 124 minutes.

The real question: will they even remember watching this a week later? Signs point to no.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are into superhero movies and can handle fantasy violence without getting spooked. Younger kids might find the combat intense; older teens will likely find it generic and skippable.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Standard superhero fare with themes of family reconciliation and brotherly cooperation. Arthur teams up with his imprisoned brother, modeling the idea that even strained relationships can work together for a greater good. However, the revenge-driven plot and typical action movie violence keep it from scoring higher on emotional health. Pacing is likely frenetic with CGI-heavy sequences that can feel chaotic rather than grounded.

Imaginative

Underwater fantasy kingdoms and mythical sea creatures offer visual spectacle, but this is a sequel in a well-worn superhero franchise following predictable genre formulas. The 'lost kingdom' premise suggests some world-building exploration, but without critical acclaim or notable creative vision mentioned, it likely delivers competent CGI spectacle without pushing creative boundaries. TMDB rating of 6.6 suggests 'fine but forgettable' rather than imaginatively groundbreaking.

Safe

As a DC superhero movie, expect typical action violence—underwater battles, trident combat, explosions—but nothing gratuitous or gory by modern PG-13 standards. The revenge plot (Black Manta seeking vengeance for his father's death) introduces themes of loss and violence that are standard for the genre. No content ratings provided, but assuming PG-13 territory means no nudity, minimal language, fantasy violence only. Marvel-movie-level safety: you know what you're getting, but younger kids may find some sequences intense.

Enriching

Limited enrichment beyond surface-level entertainment. Themes of brotherhood and protecting one's kingdom offer basic moral lessons, but superhero sequels rarely provide deep cognitive or ethical growth. The environmental subtext common to Aquaman stories (ocean protection) may be present but isn't highlighted in the synopsis. Primarily designed as popcorn entertainment rather than meaningful storytelling. TMDB's 6.6 rating suggests audiences found it middling—watchable but not memorable or particularly impactful.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sibling teamwork angle shows that even imprisoned brothers with bad blood can work together when it counts
Underwater fantasy worlds and sea creatures offer visual spectacle that kids who love ocean life might enjoy
Standard superhero action without anything too dark—you know exactly what you're getting
At 124 minutes, it's a decent rainy afternoon watch that won't require deep emotional processing afterward

⚠

What to Watch For

Revenge-driven villain plot means someone's dad died, and Black Manta is pretty angry about it—may prompt questions about loss
Fantasy violence throughout—trident battles, underwater combat, explosions—likely intense for sensitive kids under 10
The TMDB score of 6.6 is basically a cinematic shrug; don't expect anyone to remember this movie next month
CGI-heavy action can feel chaotic and overstimulating for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"Arthur had to work with his brother even though they didn't get along. Have you ever had to team up with someone you were fighting with?"
"Black Manta wants revenge for his dad's death. Do you think revenge actually makes people feel better, or does it just make things worse?"
"If you could breathe underwater and explore the ocean, what would you want to see first?"
"The movie shows Atlantis needing protection. What do you think are the biggest threats to our real oceans?"

Stills