No Spoiler Review: Black Adam

Anti-Hero or Villain, Black Adam Delivers

Article by Brandon the Hero Guy

Did we mention…the Rock!

Black Adam based off the DC Comics villain is the new feature film from the DCEU. It’s written by Sohrab Norshivari and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The movie stars Dwayne Johnson, Sarah Shahi, Noah Centino, Pierce Brosan, Aldis Hodge, Quintessa Swindell, Mohamad Amer, Viola Davis, Jalen Christian, Bodhi Saboqui, Dijmon Hounsou and Jennifer Holland.

This movie tells the story of a 5000-year-old hero named Teth Adam (Dwayne Johnson) who was given the powers of Shazam in order to free the people of Kandaq from enslavement. Adam was sealed away only to be released from his prison 5000 years later in modern times, where he isn’t the only super-powered being on the planet any more.

Now that he’s freed a mystical force imbued with dark magic attempts to take control of Kandaq and shroud it in darkness again. It’s up to the Anti-Hero Adam to stop it. But many wonder is he here to protect Kandaq or rule the planet by his own rules?

Okay first, I have to say the story was decently solid and it’s pacing went by pretty fast. Which was quite surprising. We got to know a lot about ancient Kandaq during in the first act, which was an interesting sequence.

It reminded me of the film, 300, and it definitely stayed true to the Adam lore about his homeland. The pacing was pretty fast as well. You can tell some major scenes were cut out, which is why there were some scenes going by quickly.

But it doesn’t take you out of the movie, The character Black Adam was on point. Dwayne Johnson put his all into this performance. Adam was a dangerous unstoppable force in this movie especially with his first action scene.

Johnson for sure stayed true to the comics with his on-screen portrayal. There were even some comedic moments with him; some that land and some that didn’t really land as much.

Also, there were some violent fight sequences with Adam that definitely should’ve been given an R-Rating, especially since Adam isn’t a kid friendly character. And we got to know so much more about his backstory which was right out of the New 52 Shazam comics.

I really enjoyed the backstory staying true to the New 52, and a huge reference to the 52 era. Now the characters that I was really looking forward to were the Justice Society. They were big stand outs in this movie.

Especially both Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) and Dr Fate (Pierce Brosan) who both stole the show in this movie. Especially when they had the fight scenes with Adam which was incredibly entertaining.

I liked the fierce rivalry that both Adam and Hawkman had. The only gripe about Katar Hol is that he was getting beaten up a bit too much like he was a punching bag most of the time. Though he did have some really good moments.

Dr Fate was incredibly well portrayed. Pierce Brosan did the character perfectly. Everything about Fate was on point and from the comics. The only thing that wasn’t mentioned, which is really important to his character, was his connection to Nabu.

Atom Smasher and Cyclone were really good as well though I just wish they had a lot more to do. Especially in the action sequences because both of them are extremely good characters in the JSA and have some really impressive feats.

Which a lot of the audience didn’t really get to see. And not to mention the Justice Society is also a team from the 2nd WW, and are the main reason why the Justice League was created.

The first and second acts of this movie were good, but the act where it goes a bit off the rails is the third act. The main villain didn’t really feel like a threat for Adam or the JSA.

Truth be told, Adam definitely should’ve been a R-Rated villain origin feature. Adam could have been shown with a more villainous streak, while still valuing the city of Kandaq and its citizens.

Black Adam is highly entertaining is it a perfect movie? no, is is fun to watch an enjoy? Yes, absolutely 100%. To my hardcore DC fans, this is for sure the movie you have to see. Especially when it shows what happens when an oppressed community begins to fight for their freedom.

Also end credit sequence is incredibly worth the wait. So, without further ado I give Black Adam a 7/10.

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