Black Adam is the latest DC superhero film starring Dwayne Johnson as the titular character, a powerful ancient being who returns to the modern world after thousands of years of imprisonment. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the film explores the origins and motivations of Black Adam, as well as his conflicts with other heroes and villains. But is Black Adam a worthy addition to the DC cinematic universe, or does it fall short of its potential? Here are my thoughts on the film.
The Good
One of the main strengths of Black Adam is its lead actor, Dwayne Johnson. Johnson brings his charisma and physicality to the role, making Black Adam a compelling and formidable protagonist. He also shows some range in his performance, portraying Black Adam’s anger, pain, humor, and humanity. Johnson clearly has a passion for the character, and it shows on screen.
Another positive aspect of the film is its action sequences. The film does not shy away from showing Black Adam’s immense power and brutality, as he unleashes his wrath on his enemies. The film also features some impressive visual effects and cinematography, creating a stunning contrast between Black Adam’s dark and ancient world and the bright and modern one. The film also has some exciting battles between Black Adam and other superheroes, such as Hawkman, Atom Smasher, Cyclone, and Isis. These fights showcase the different abilities and personalities of each hero, as well as their teamwork and chemistry.
The film also has some interesting themes and messages, such as anti-imperialism, justice, redemption, and family. The film explores Black Adam’s backstory and his reasons for fighting against tyranny and oppression. The film also shows how Black Adam struggles to adapt to the new world and its rules, as well as his relationship with Adrianna Tomaz, a journalist who becomes his ally and love interest. The film also challenges the audience to question their own views on morality and heroism, as Black Adam is neither a pure villain nor a flawless hero.
The Bad
Despite its strengths, Black Adam also has some weaknesses that prevent it from being a great film. One of them is its story structure and pacing. The film tries to cram too much information and events into its runtime, resulting in a disjointed and rushed narrative. The film jumps from one scene to another without enough transition or explanation, making it hard to follow or care about what is happening. The film also suffers from some tonal inconsistencies, as it mixes dark and serious moments with light-hearted and comedic ones. The film does not balance these tones well, making it feel uneven and awkward at times.
Another problem with the film is its lack of character development and depth. Apart from Black Adam and Adrianna Tomaz, most of the other characters are underdeveloped and underused. They are either reduced to stereotypes or plot devices, without much personality or motivation. For example, Hawkman is portrayed as a noble and honorable leader, but he does not have much backstory or character arc. Atom Smasher is depicted as a young and naive hero, but he does not have much growth or impact on the story. Cyclone is shown as a cheerful and optimistic heroine, but she does not have much relevance or agency in the plot. Isis is introduced as a powerful and mysterious heroine, but she does not have much screen time or interaction with other characters.
The film also has some problems with its villains and antagonists. The main villain of the film is Ishmael, a member of Intergang who seeks to obtain a demonic crown that can grant him ultimate power. However, Ishmael is a bland and generic villain, without much charisma or threat. He is also overshadowed by Black Adam’s presence and power, making him seem irrelevant and weak. The film also features some other villains, such as King Ahk-Ton, an ancient ruler who oppressed Black Adam’s people; Intergang, a global organization that exploits resources and people; and Sabbac, a demonic entity that possesses Ishmael. However, these villains are also poorly developed and utilized, serving only as obstacles or catalysts for Black Adam’s actions.
The Verdict
Black Adam is a mixed bag of a film. It has some good elements, such as Dwayne Johnson’s performance, the action scenes, and the themes. But it also has some bad elements, such as the story structure, the character development, and the villains. It is not a terrible film, but it is not a great one either. It is an average film that could have been better with more focus and polish.
If you are a fan of Dwayne Johnson or DC comics, you might enjoy this film for its spectacle and entertainment value. But if you are looking for a deeper and more satisfying superhero film experience, you might be disappointed by this film.
You can watch the trailer for Black Adam here, or check out its IMDB page .
