Black Adam introduces us to another DC character; or actually five. I was reluctant to see Dwayne Johnson in the lead role due to what I call actor over saturation. I found this one to be a lot of fun and a reminder of why we like Johnson as much as we do. But I do think he is in way too many movies lately.
Synopsis: Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods–and imprisoned just as quickly–Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
There are several things that stand out in this film. First and foremost I appreciate how Black Adam is unconventional and viewed as a threat by other heroes. he doesn’t play by the rules, nor does he value human life. He is more about taking out those who stand in his way or the way of those he deems need protecting. In other words he does it all his own way.
This film is steeped in the world of gods and curses and mummy type stuff. Though set in the modern world it has a vintage feel. There are super high tech gadgets but they do not over shadow the heroes and their own abilities. It doesn’t do anything new in how it presents action sequences or fight scenes. It is a cut and paste from most films of this ilk. But that is ok, it presents them well and they look great.
Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) has been dormant for 5000 years. Yet he catches on pretty quick to the language and vernacular of the times. Much of the comedy comes from Adam adapting to his new surroundings. Plus Johnson’s deadpan delivery helps the comedy not come across as campy. Thankfully he doesn’t raise his eyebrow all the time either.
There are four other DC supers sent to capture Adam and contain him somewhere safe. They may be familiar to DC fans but casual viewers not so much. Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) sound like knock off Great Value characters found on the Halloween sale rack. But they are super legit, and I enjoyed them here. There is certainly a backstory with them which makes me wonder if there are origin stories in the works.
The central theme to this one seems to be freedom, and what exactly determines a hero. Black Adam is no Captain America but at the same time he get things done that need to be done. Sometimes the bad guys maybe need smashed into a mountain instead of being brought in for questioning. I can dig it.
DC has elevated its movie game over the last several offerings. This one is another step in the right direction. Above all it is a solid piece of filmmaking.
BLACK ADAM is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, intense action and some language. Other than super hero destruction and a few minor expletives it is safe for most preteens.
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