Black Adam - Movie Review

Oct 25, 20223 min read

Updated: Oct 30, 2022

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finally gets to portray the title character in his DC Comics dream project, Black Adam, after more than a decade of delays, anticipation, and unsuccessful attempts. The anti-hero's standalone origin story has been promised to usher in a new era for the DCEU. The comic book character is one of the most destructive figures in the DC Universe and was once the champion of the Council of Wizards, but now is the archenemy of Shazam. Johnson reunites with Jungle Cruise director Jaume Collet-Serra for this new superhero film.

In 2600 BC, a young slave boy is given the powers of Shazam by the Council of Wizards to free his people from a tyrannical king. In the present day, Adrianna an archaeologist and freedom fighter locates the Crown of Sabbac but is suddenly surrounded by a criminal group called Intergang. Adrianna summons Black Adam and he slaughters most of the Intergang troops. The US government official deems Black Adam a threat and contacts the Justice Society of America led by Hawkman and Doctor Fate. The JSA along with newcomers Cyclone and Atom Smasher arrives in time to stop Black Adam from causing further destruction.

After seeing the movie, there will be plenty of discussion about whether or not fans will be thrilled about this new era. The film features action-packed fight scenes and mostly stunning CGI but suffers, like any origin story, from undeveloped characters and the establishing Black Adam's role in the DCEU. Although you have to respect that this movie never tries to be anything other than a full-throttle, popcorn blockbuster ride, director Jaume Collet-Serra unapologetically starts the movie with a Zack Snyder-inspired intro and never lets up from there.

The Justice Society is both the best and somewhat the worst thing about Black Adam. To film's credit, the promised fight between Black Adam and the JSA takes up more than half of the movie and it does deliver. With no buildup or backstory, this small but brilliant superhero team with both experienced and fun younger members is thrown into the movie. Hawkman and Doctor Fate are the main characters, and there is a lot of implied history between them, but their existence doesn't seem to have affected this world's pop culture or even general public awareness; instead, references to the Justice League are made frequently in conversations and are prominently displayed on posters and comic books throughout the entire movie.

With fantastic casting and many entertaining interactions, the characters come to life on the big screen. As Kent Nelson, aka Doctor Fate, Pierce Brosnan is delightful to watch. The characters' paper-thin script is greatly improved by Brosnan's acting depth and the character’s relationship and respect for Aldis Hodge's Hawkman. Hodge performs effectively in his role as the JSA's de facto leader. His amusing, frustrating mentor role with the rookie Atom Smasher, played by Noah Centineo, brings some unexpectedly big laughs, although Atom Smasher is reduced to a one-dimensional comic relief. Quintessa Swindell, as fellow rookie Cyclone, is equally remarkable.

As for Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson's performances is like most others of Johnson's performances. However, his passion for the role of Black Adam really pays off and delivers effectively. Black Adam's relationship with Adrianna’s son is similar to that of the Terminator and John Connor's relationship in T2: Judgement Day. Johnson does give some surprisingly well-timid laugh-out-loud moments while still being true to the character's anti-hero persona.

Black Adam indulges enough points for any comic book movie fan to enjoy the DC anti-hero’s debut. It’s packed with action scenes and CGI visuals inspired by the best in the genre, although characters may be a little undeveloped, due to the actors' performances, they could become fan favorites in the future. Fans may not campaign for a sequel or a JSA movie, but will definitely welcome it. The mid-credit scene will excite die-hard DCEU fans.