A spin-off from “Shazam!” (2019), Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” Our JP gives his thoughts on the eleventh film in the DC Extended Universe.
Black Adam
Warner Bros. Pictures
- Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
- Written by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani
- Based on Characters from DC
- Produced by Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia
- Starring Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell, Bodhi Sabongui, Pierce Brosnan
Studio Synopsis:
The world needed a hero… It got Black Adam
From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
JP’s Take:
Once again, DC is moving in on Marvel territory as they dust off a golden-aged character that appears to be more flashy than grounded. “Black Adam” is finally brought to life by the bigger-than-life showman, Dwayne Johnson, whose star power elevates the titular character to a new level.
As typical of superhero tales, an origin story has to be told, although things are not as clear initially, making the story a 2-hour excursion. Once you dive into his legacy, you’ll debate whether Teth-Adam is a liberator or an opportunist. Writers Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani toy with the notion of morality and humanity as they intersperse plot points amid its astonishing effects and action sequences.
Despite bearing multiple plot devices, the focus remains on Black Adam’s compelling backstory, which warrants some noble heroics. It’s the tale of a young boy named Hurut (young Hurut played by Jalon Christian, older Hurut by Talia’uli Latukefu) yearning to free his people after their enslavement by a corrupt King named Anh Kot. Under tyrannical rule, the people of Kahndaq are forced to work the mines in search of a magical crystal called Eternium. King Kot plans to turn the crystal into a crown, which grants him extraordinary abilities, allowing him to rule absolutely. You know the old saying, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Virtually Hurut is powerless, yet his tenacity commands him to spark a revolution. Hurut’s good deeds are not without consequence when King Anh Kot orders his execution. Just before he is beheaded, a great wizard named Shazam whisks him away at the right moment. By speaking his name, SHAZAM!, Hurut is transformed into the powerful Teth-Adam. After Teth destroys the king and his regime, he disappears into the flames and is never seen again.
This narrative spills over into the new millennium, where Kahndaq is under an advanced oppressive regime, calling themselves Intergang. The plot thickens when archeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) enters the picture. She’s an expert on the legend of Teth-Adam and sets off on an expedition with her brother Karim (Mohammed Amer) and colleague Ishmael (Marwan Kenzari) to find the Crown of Sabbac. As prophecy would have it, the crown is the key to Teth’s resurrection, which would make him a God.
As we dig deeper, we discover a triad of good vs. evil vs. the demi-God, placing the JSA (Justice Society of America) in a sticky situation. Their choices are join Teth or be destroyed by him, along with intergang. Either way, Kahndaq’s fate hangs in the balance as Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) and Teth go head to head in a battle of brawn and wit. Hawkman takes the humanitarian approach stating that even the evilest of enemies must be brought to justice humanely. Teth-Adam, on the other hand, has another idea: eradicate all bad guys. These instances certainly smack of hero/anti-hero status since Teth has the attributes to eliminate them all to save his homeland. Moments between Hawkman and Teth volleying back and forth on this philosophy also conjure up a few laughs, as Teth simply puts a beat down on the criminals he apprehends. This would include some trial-and-error catchphrase hashing on Teth’s part. Hawkman has to intervene and keep the peace and get some answers from the suspects. Adrianna becomes the voice of reason when she points out that the JSA has no jurisdiction in Kahndaq and that this is not their fight. OH, what a tangled web they all weave.
The showdown doesn’t go down without a dazzling light and sound exhibit when Hawkman calls in a team of power-enabled colleagues of his own. The detailed fight choreography and visuals are all done with exuberance and bears an ethereal touch, making for an eye popping extravaganza. For a PG-13 film, there are dark elements, which are nicely displayed also. Teth flash fries baddies with lightning strikes and turning them to ash right before our eyes, while zombies chase after townspeople through the streets of Kahndaq. Certainly, the type of graphic appeal you’d expect from the most imaginative comic books.
I’m glad the cast was on board for the entire trip. The suave gray-haired Pierce Brosnan expresses a smooth wise old man demeanor as Kent Nelson (a.k.a Doctor Fate). Quintessa Swindell plays Maxine Hunkel / Cyclone, the golden-hearted genius with the ability to create hurricane-force winds with a pirouette. She’s graceful while performing these stunts. Noah Centineo conjures up an amiable, if clumsy, Albert “Al” Rothstein (a.k.a Atom-Smasher), who enlarges himself to smash his opponents to smithereens. Hodge is the reserved Carter Hall / Hawkman, who displays great courage, strength, and wisdom. Shahi is the strong motherly type in her role of Adrianna Tomaz and is the voice of reason. Bodhi Sabongui plays Amon Tomaz with curious wonder and typical teenage feistiness. Amer provides comic relief as Karmin and Kenzari are the sly Ishmael/Sabbac with underhanded tendencies. There is a cameo appearance from Henry Winkler as Al Pratt / The Atom, uncle of Albert Rothstein. Rounding out the cast is Djimon Honsou and Viola Davis reprising their roles of wizard Shazam and Amanda Waller, respectively.
There is much to examine here as we embark on an in-depth look into the intricate mindset of an anti-hero. This is one of DC’s most complex characters, and they pulled out all the stops to make “Black Adam” come to life. I admit I was securely entertained, if slightly exhausted by the barrage of battles. And as I mentioned above, DC is encroaching on Marvel grounds with a post-credit scene that calls for the audience’s attention.
