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DC has had tough luck with critics for years, but the Black Adam movie reveals a difference in opinions between critics and fans.
Despite much early criticism, Black Adam has altered the hierarchy of powers in the DC Universe.
Black Adam
Black Adam follows the story of Teth-Adam, the all-powerful champion of the fictional country of Kahndaq.
After successfully liberating his people, Adam disappears from the world.
In modern Kahndaq, the city is under Intergang repression.
Archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz searches the mountains for the Crown of Sabbac but is ambushed by the Intergang.
After reading an incantation, she awakens Teth-Adam, who saves her and slaughters the troops waiting outside the mountains.
The massacre prompts Amanda Waller to assemble Carter Hall and the Justice Society (of America) to capture and take him as a prisoner.
The cast
- Dwayne Johnson – Teth-Adam/Black Adam
- Aldis Hodge – Carter Hall/Hawkman
- Sarah Hashi – Adrianna Tomaz
- Pierce Brosnan – Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate
- Quintessa Swindell – Maxine Hunkel/Cyclone
- Noah Centineo – Albert “Al” Rothstein/Atom Smasher
- Marwan Kenzari – Ishmael Gregor/Sabbac
- Mohammed Amer – Karim
- Bodhi Sabongui – Amon Tomaz
- Viola Davis – Amanda Waller
- Jennifer Holland – Emilia Harcourt
Read also: Black Adam Panel Indicates Henry Cavill Might Not Return as Superman
Review
Dwayne Johnson has sworn that the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is about to change.
While many scoffed at his promise, Johnson delivered with his portrayal of Black Adam.
Although people quickly point out how stiff Johnson’s performance was, Johnson delivered everything a Black Adam fan would want.
In various comics, Black Adam showcased an unquenchable desire for power.
Luckily, the movie went in a direction where Black Adam was more of an antihero.
He also has a superiority complex, reflected in his decision to levitate rather than walk.
Dwayne Johnson conveyed the same sense of superiority and arrogance as a near-godlike being.
The fight scenes were jaw-dropping, and the few clips featuring Cyclone were just amazing.
Quintessa Swindell’s performance will have fans asking for more appearances in DC’s future projects.
Aldis Hodge’s Hawkman displayed the aggression his fans have been familiar with, albeit more controlled.
Noah Centineo’s Atom Smasher was the comic relief, especially in his interactions with Hawkman.
In the meantime, Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate will surely dispel any notion of resemblance to the MCU’s Doctor Strange.
The movie didn’t hold back with the action or make audiences wait long to see Black Adam’s power.
The soundtrack hit all the right notes, especially when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ “Paint It Black” starts playing.
Not only was the humor abundant, but it was also the right amount with the proper timing.
Read also: Henry Cavill may return as Superman in a Man of Steel sequel
Ratings
Black Adam scores 39% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 219 reviews.
Meanwhile, more than 2,500 reviews verified by Audience Score had given the film a positive rating.
The audience rating gives it a rating of 90%.
Black Adam has a rating of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDB.
Metacritic gave it a 41% rating, while Entertainment Weekly gave it a 3.5/5.
The verdict
Black Adam is one of the best movies out of DC in recent years.
Black Adam fans won’t be disappointed to see their favorite villain/antihero soar to the skies in this production.
With its action, humor, story and music, the film has all the ingredients to help the DCEU pick up the pace.
It will be exciting (and recommended) for DCEU fans to stay put once the credits have expired.
