Black Adam(2022) movie review
Black Adam (2022), directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and marks Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's much-anticipated debut as the titular antihero. The film introduces the character Teth-Adam, an ancient warrior bestowed with immense powers by the Egyptian gods. Awakened in modern times after being imprisoned for millennia, Black Adam's sense of justice and brutal methods of dealing with enemies set him apart from traditional heroes.
Strengths:
1. Dwayne Johnson's Performance: As expected, Johnson brings his signature charisma and physicality to the role. His portrayal of Black Adam is stoic and menacing, aligning with the character's antihero persona. His commanding presence helps anchor the film.
2. Action Sequences: The film excels in its action, delivering explosive and visually stunning fight scenes. Black Adam's powers are showcased with flair, and the destruction he causes feels weighty and impactful.
3. Justice Society of America (JSA): The introduction of the JSA, including characters like Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), adds a layer of excitement. Pierce Brosnan stands out as Doctor Fate, providing gravitas and a mystical edge to the group.
4. Visual Effects: The CGI is impressive, especially when it comes to Black Adam's powers, the city of Kahndaq, and the mystical elements surrounding Doctor Fate. The film is visually engaging, with the use of slow-motion and energy blasts giving a comic-book-like feel.
Weaknesses:
1. Storytelling and Pacing: While the action sequences are entertaining, the narrative feels thin and formulaic. Black Adam's origin is rushed through, and the plot becomes predictable. The pacing can be uneven, with certain moments dragging, while others feel rushed.
2. Character Development: While Johnson’s Black Adam is a strong presence, the character's internal conflict isn't deeply explored. The supporting characters, including the JSA members, feel underdeveloped, and their relationships are not given enough depth. There’s potential, but it feels untapped.
3. Tone and Humor: The film's tone wavers between being a serious, brooding antihero movie and a light-hearted superhero film. At times, the humor feels out of place, particularly when contrasted with the darker elements of Black Adam’s character.
4. Villain and Stakes: The primary antagonist is underwhelming, and the stakes, while high in terms of destruction, lack emotional weight. The final battle feels like a standard CGI showdown, without much buildup or emotional payoff.
Final Thoughts:
Black Adam offers plenty of spectacle and delivers on action, particularly for fans of Dwayne Johnson and the superhero genre. However, it struggles with a lack of narrative depth and emotional connection. The introduction of the JSA is promising, but the film feels more like a setup for future DCEU projects than a fully fleshed-out story on its own. It’s a fun watch, especially for those craving action-packed superhero fare, but it falls short of being a standout entry in the DCEU.
Rating: 6.5/10
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