Dwayne Johnson‘s long-gestating passion project, Black Adam, is in theaters now, and people are already lining up to weigh in on the latest superhero event for the DCEU. Jaume Collet-Serra (The Shallows, Jungle Cruise) directs from a script by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani. Johnson’s channeled all his mana into promoting Black Adam, saying the antihero character would change the “change the hierarcy” of superhero cinema. I’ve seen a handful of critics disagree with Johnson’s statement, but general audiences seem to be responding positively to the film.
Nearly 5,000 years after acquiring the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods and being imprisoned shortly after that, Black Adam returns to unleash his rage on the modern world. However, the Justice Society of America is there to keep him in check and possibly sway his outlook on who deserves punishment.
Black Adam stars Dwayne Johnson as the film’s titular antihero. During his vengeful journey, Black Adam encounters a group of heroes known as the JSA, consisting of Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Aldis Hodge (Hawkman), Quintessa Swindell (Cyclone), and Noah Centineo (Atom Smasher).
JoBlo Managing Editor Chris Bumbray thinks the movie is “entertaining,” but often feels like an indistinct “Marvel wannabe.” While Chris praises Johnson’s commitment to playing Black Adam and the acting efforts of Brosnan and Hodge, he says several side characters become lost in the mix. He also says Black Adam introduces DC’s “weakest villain ever,” which is an alarming assessment. If Rotten Tomatoes is your barometer for quality, Black Adam stands at the crossroads of a 43% Critic Rating based on 153 reviews and an 88% Audience Score based on 500+ ratings. While it’s a tad antagonistic, some moviegoers have posted images of themselves in empty theaters, casting doubt on the film’s opening weekend performance numbers.
Let’s put the naysayers aside for a moment. What did you think of Black Adam? Has the hierarchy of superhero cinema changed? Will the movie provide DC with a solid springboard for the future? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Remember, the best way to know if the movie is good or not is to head to a theater and see it for yourself. Only you can prevent forest fires and decide whether you enjoy Black Adam or not.