Black Adam (2022) Movie Review

Synopsis:

In the ancient city of Kahndaq, Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson) has the power of the Egyptian gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he’s imprisoned. After almost 5,000 years, he’s reawakened during modern times, determined to bring peace to his old nation by any means necessary.

Review:

A film that Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has talked about for over a decade made its way to theaters in 2022.

For a film about a character not as famous as Batman or Superman, Black Adam had to leave an impression.

Dwayne’s physicality and action sequences are above average in Black Adam.

Important aspects such as the storytelling and performances, though, needed refinement.

Speaking of action sequences, this film makes a decent effort due to its impact and a good sense of momentum.

A problem, though, is the film's use of slow motion for each one.

This use of slow motion complements the action sequences at first. They falter towards the film’s conclusion, becoming a major distraction.

Throughout most of Black Adam’s runtime, there is a major focus on exposition. These describe plot points or the origins of a character.

These are often told without enthusiasm by Sarah Shahi’s character, Adrianna. As a result, this limits the story’s agency and its characters in the process.

Upon watching Black Adam’s trailers, audiences are aware of a superhero team called the JSA.

This stands for the Justice Society of America, an established team in DC Comics.

Its members consist of Doctor Fate, Hawkman, Atom Smasher, and Cyclone.

In Black Adam, Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan) is their magic-wielder. As a result, scenes with him make for some creative use of visual effects.

Brosnan’s performance is also good, making him the team’s most relatable member.

Other characters, such as Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), receive some decent action sequences, if not much else. Other members do not fare as well.

Apart from their names, the audience learns very little about the other JSA members.

These include Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell).

These characters' contributions feel redundant in comparison to others. This is despite decent performances from Noah Centineo and Quintessa Swindell.

In future installments, more development and purpose for these characters would be welcome.

Also, Black Adam's main antagonist doesn’t have much to offer. This film’s final threat is another big CGI monstrosity.

Black Adam's central antagonist has the most basic of motivations.

It's a threat introduced far too late into the proceedings. As a result, it makes its inclusion feel pointless.

Conclusion:

All in all, Black Adam is part of two different worlds.

This film has some good action sequences, backed by Dwayne Johnson’s physicality.

It also includes a good performance by Pierce Brosnan.

Black Adam's main flaws are its tiresome narration, forgettable antagonist, and standard story.

For DC or Dwayne Johnson fans, though, it may be worth a watch.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 5.5/10

Story - 5/10

Action - 6.5/10

CGI and visuals - 6/10

Soundtrack - 6/10

Overall score: 5.8 out of 10