Black Adam

Dwayne Johnson is at the helm of DC’s eleventh entry into their cinematic universe (DCEU) as the god-like being, Black Adam. Bursting his way onto screen after what could be considered a cameo in 2019’s Shazam!, the film follows up DC’s anti-hero streak, after the ever so entertaining Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad. Set in the fictional city of Kahndaq, Teth-Adam is released from his imprisonment into modern life, after nearly five thousand years. Attracting the attention of the Justice Society, as well as becoming entangled in the lives of a local family, his warped views on morality are put to the test as the threat of a bigger danger looms closer. After a massive lead up to the film, especially after all the years Johnson has campaigned for the role, director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax, Jungle Cruise) has finally brought the character to light, in all his violent glory.

Dwayne Johnson has played leading role after leading role in recent times, so while unsurprising to see him in yet another film, he sure is fun to watch. After getting in what he calls the best shape of his life, Johnson’s determination and passion surrounding the character is obvious throughout the film, making it clear that this is the actor’s proud moment. With the introduction of the Black Adam character to the DCEU, also comes the long-awaited Justice Society of America’s debut. Fronted by the stoic Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), whose appearance we were super keen for, the team is fleshed out by Doctor Fate (who Pierce Brosnan plays wonderfully), Cyclone (played by Quintessa Swindell, who easily has the film’s coolest effects), and Atom Smasher, with Noah Centineo bringing the film’s comedic relief. Sarah Shahi and Bodhi Sabongui star as Adrianna and Amon; Kahndaq locals, and the reason for Adam’s freedom, while Marwan Kenzari leans into his natural ability to play villains.

Playing a seemingly careless anti-hero this time round, Johnson’s star power is enough to cause hype for the film, that may be short lived; while the film is undeniably entertaining, it is not without its faults. It’s no surprise that the DCEU is a fan of using an oversized CGI villain – and this is where the film falls a little flat. Originally given an R rating until the eleventh hour, the film still has plenty of gratuitous fight scenes, ultraviolence and an excessive (yet rewarding) amount of slow motion scenes. Personally, we can only dream that an R-rated cut of the film is released, in a similar vein to the Snyder cut of Justice League – simply for the fan service.

Black Adam is probably one of the more enjoyable DC films we’ve seen in recent years – and most of this is due to Johnson being his usual, effortlessly cool self, plus his overall DGAF attitude to killing anyone in his way. Carrying the movie on his (massive) shoulders is something the actor tends to do in his films, but with plenty of cameos from the DCEU thrown in to get the crowd excited, we’re keen to see what this film opens the door to. Black Adam is in cinemas now, so strap yourself in and prepare for the onslaught.