The sequel to the 2018 original, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, is finally out in theaters. Jason Mamoa returns to the role he defined, bringing with him all his patented swagger and bombast as he fights to save his family, kingdom, and the right to enjoy a juicy cheeseburger with a pint of Guinness.

The Lost Kingdom has the unenviable distinction of being the last film of the DC Universe, or what people have referred to as the Snyderverse; several behind-the-scenes events have now pushed our superhero characters in new and different directions going forward. But rather than go quietly into the void of memory, The Lost Kingdom closes the chapter of the DCU swinging, and in true Mamoa style, with a bang, a laugh, and one very loud, “Yeah!”

The plot, much like the first film, is pretty straightforward. It picks up some time later with Arthur Curry, the child of two worlds, still trying to divide his time between ruling his underwater kingdom and being with his family on land. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II returns as Black Manta, the movie’s main antagonist, still thirsting for revenge for his father's death. The difference is this time, he’s thinking much, much bigger.

To help him combat this new and more formidable version of Manta, Aquaman turns to his brother, former king of Atlantis, Orm, played by Patrick Wilson. Also returning to lend a hand are Dolph Lundgren as King Nerus, Nicole Kidman as Arthur’s mother, Queen Atlanna, and Amber Heard as Mera.

Wilson’s Orm is the standout character in the movie. His story arc is the most realized and satisfying arc, going from fallen monarch to heroic ally. Also, a revelation is the character’s potential for comedy. His stoic, no-nonsense bearing plays well off of Arthur’s happy-go-lucky, we-can-totally-rock-this attitude. He is very literally a fish out of water in many respects during the parts of their journey that take them out of the oceans and onto the surface world, and it is surprisingly funny.

Speaking of humor, the movie is laced with it from start to finish, and if you prefer your superhero films this way, this is an absolute treat. It keeps things light and prevents the whole endeavor from collapsing in on itself under its own weight. It keeps the stakes real but also pokes fun at many of the tropes of the genre it belongs to.

For those who like a more serious tone when saving the world, this might come across as a bit much. Nonetheless, Lost Kingdom moves along at a good pace, keeping you on your toes as the tides turn.