Is Aquaman 2 safe for kids? Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom OK for kids? Read the Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new DC Universe super hero film, starring Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry. No spoilers! #Aquaman #Aquaman2 May contain commissioned links.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review | Safe for Kids? 2023 Parents Guide
Everyone seems to love Jason Momoa as Aquaman. And as the highest grossing DC Universe film of all time – can this sea dweller stay top fish with a sequel?
Or is his place back under the sea where he belongs?
In this Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG-13 age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom parents guide to the new DC Universe and Warner Bros. Pictures live action superhero film. A no-spoiler parent review of the Aquaman 2 film sequel, does this fish man have what it takes to surpass the greatness of a Marvel Wakanda Forever sequel?
The Visuals
Visually, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is what I’d expect from a DC Universe film. With heavy CGI effects and underwater sequences, sometimes the magic of the superhero film is lost with cheapened scenes and heavy CGI characters. Expect multiple explosions and heavy fight scenes, sea inspired colorings and multiple scenes in darkness. Aquaman himself is not as impressive as the first film. Sorry, ladies (and men).
For those investing in 3D and IMAX though, visually Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a more impressive film as a whole.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, there are multiple scenes of bright flashing lights and strobing light features, lightning effects, strong explosions, cloudy/distorted visuals, and scenes in darkness that may be triggering for some.
The Story
The anticipated sequel to the highest grossing DC film of all time, Jason Momoa (“Fast X“) returns to the big screen as Arthur Curry aka Aquaman in this 2023 DC Universe superhero film sequel, alongside returning director James Wan (“Saw” franchise). Returning cast includes Patrick Wilson (“The Conjuring“) as Ocean Master Orm, Amber Heard (“Pineapple Express“) as Mera, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“The Greatest Showman“) as David Kane aka Black Manta and Nicole Kidman (“Moulin Rouge“) as Atlanna, Dolph Lundgren (“The Expendables“) as King Nereus and Randall Park (“Fresh Off the Boat“) as Dr. Stephen Shin.
The world of land and sea is in trouble once again as Manta returns to take on Aquaman. And this time, his revenge has reinforcements. Forced to team up with his frenemy little bro while trying to save earth and Atlantis – Arthur may have taken on more than his cephalopods can handle. While the storyline seems pretty sound, that’s when the seas getting a little more than rocky.
While certainly keeping with the more laid-back humorous side of DC, it’s the brothers’ interactions that truly hold what little value this sequel has together into a muddled, overplayed, and underwhelming part two. Reaching too far into other famous films for inspiration, I was highly annoyed how the story lacked any type of creativity. I think we’re all beyond tired of the DC Universe superhero trope by now.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingom PG-13 Rating Explained
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom safe for kids? Another DC Universe superhero film that’s rated PG-13? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Goosebumps and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom rated PG-13? In this Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this DC Universe 2023 Aquaman 2 film sequel is rated PG-13 for “sci-fi violence and some language.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is kid friendly.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom too scary for kids? Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom too intense for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG-13 age rating in this Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. The violence level is what you would expect from Aquaman. Sci-fi and fantasy violence includes hand-to-hand combat, use of weapons including guns, spears, knives, and tridents (duh!), mild to moderate amounts of blood and gore including body burns, bloody noses, and small open wounds. Peril is common and expected. Multiple hard falls occur. Death and inferred deaths are also common. Grief and loss themes present. There are a couple of “Fear Factor” eating scenes as well for those with weak stomachs.
However, with James Han back in the driver’s seat, there are plenty of horror influences, especially when it comes to the creatures of the deep. Multiple creepy monsters, skeleton-like zombie characters, dead creatures with blood and open wound present, and scary underwater creatures abound in this film sequel. Suspense includes a few jump scares as well.
Adult Themes. Drinking alcohol and discussion of alcohol comes up a few times in this film sequel. There are 2 scenes of drinking beer (1 from cans and 1 from beer glasses), and there is discussion of “tequila.” There is one scene taking place in a bar/cantina with multiple beverages being consumed and gambling present.
Sensual content and innuendo include one line referring to “cum licker,” (which shocked me into a *gross* face), a few light kisses and side hugs. Multiple scenes of a shirtless man (insert slow camera movement). One scene of giving birth in the water, but nothing is seen.
Toilet humor includes baby pee in Momoa’s face multiple times, one line referring to the tightness of a “butthole” and one verbal reference to the “tongue out of his butt” (for comedic relief).
Language. Ahem, some language? Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom certainly doesn’t mince words with swear words and foul language. This DC sequel is a little more than mildly foul. Thankfully taking a backseat to the overuse of the word “b@stard,” that doesn’t mean that Aquaman 2 is light in the language department. Swear words and foul language phrases include 1 “d!ckbag,” 2 “@sshole,” 8 “@ss,” 1 “son of a b!tch,” 1 “sh!thole,” 6 “sh!t,” 1 “b@stard,” 1 “g-dd@mn,” 1 “d@mn,” 9 “H-E-double-hockey-sticks,” 1 “holy crap,”
Mild insults and bad language phrases include “cum lickers,” “fricking,” “piss,” “suck,” “shut up,” “stupid,” “butthole,” “butt,” and “my g-d.”
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Age Rating for Kids
With a runtime of 2 hours 4 minutes, the Aquaman 2 sequel is just 19 minutes shy of the original 2018 Aquaman movie time. Made for older kids and adults, this DC superhero film is more geared towards the Marvel-esque type of child. There’s plenty of humor and fighting to keep kids entertained. However, with scary creatures and intense foul language, this may be too much for younger kids to watch.
The Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 2023 film sequel is most like the original Aquaman 2018 movie release from DC Universe, with many of the same characters returning as well.
This 2023 DC Universe Aquaman 2 film sequel from Warner Bros. Pictures is rated PG-13 for “sci-fi violence and some language” by the MPA.
There is one mid-credit scene in the Aquaman 2 sequel. There is no end credit scene, so no need to sit through the whole credits.
Based on my Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom film to kids younger than the age of 11-12 years old.
Considering the full PG-13 rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom film to kids younger than the age of 11-12 years old. This Aquaman 2 PG-13 rating is pretty spot on and easily comparable to the original Aquaman 2018 film rating.
With intense violence, sci-fi fantasy themes, scarier monsters/creatures and more swear words, this more teen friendly rating is well earned. I recommend parents to prescreen Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom for strong superhero violence, dark fantasy themes, and foul language.
The Overall
After Aquaman’s high, the only place to go is down. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the original Aquaman film. And I had no idea why it was the highest grossing DC film of all time. But with Momoa’s laid back attitude and snarky humor, I could see how fans were drawn to his charming super powers.
Unfortunately lacking any sort of passion and creativity, I was appalled to see just how far DC would go to “come up” with anything remotely passable as an Aquaman sequel. Ripping off popular movies and other famous tropes (Star Wars cantina scene, Land of the Lost, Thor and Loki, Lord of the Rings…I can keep going) from action/fantasy film franchises, this movie sequel takes a nose dive into deep, deep waters.
The brother banter is the only thing that kept me interested – and even that was cheapened by the Thor and Loki steal. If DC can only survive on stealing from other movie franchises, I’m out.
Follow Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on social media:
- Website: https://www.dc.com/movies/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-2023
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AquamanMovie/
- Twitter (“X”): https://twitter.com/aquamanmovie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Aquamanmovie/
- #Aquaman #AquamanandtheLostKingdom
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Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the all-new 2023 DC Universe Aquaman 2 sequel film is diving into theaters on Friday December 22, 2023. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the new 2023 Aquaman 2 film in exchange for this Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Universe. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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