Another DC film has blundered into our cinemas. This time it’s Black Adam.
Dwayne Johnson stars as Black Adam; a bad boy, God-like being and champion of the country of Kahdaq. After being enshrined or imprisoned for 5,000 years, Black Adam was awakened by Adrianna, played by Sarah Shahi (Sex/Life), to find his country infiltrated by Intergang. They are an SAS looking group who are making the most of the country’s profitable resource: Eternium. Seems like your typical good vs evil superhero film, doesn’t it? It would have been easier for everyone involved if it was.
Although the anti-hero character was somewhat enjoyable, it is crystal clear that Johnson was not the right choice. Granted he’s got the physique of some of our favourite comic book heroes, but he can’t even play the average “knight in shining armour” terrifically well, let alone compete with some of our favourite anti-superheroes like Batman and Deadpool. The only thing anti-hero about Johnson were the cringe-worthy lines such as “I’m not peaceful nor do I surrender”.
The electricity in the cast was found elsewhere. Shahi made a welcomed appearance as Adrianna, (some kind of archaeologist and resistance fighter), I’m still not clear on her credentials. Opposite the cold and repetitive performance of the 6’5 ‘rock’, Shahi didn’t let her lack of backstory get in the way of her performance. She proves she can stand up for herself, confirming that she belongs on our silver screens.
Also bringing the film back to life were a new generation of DC heroes. XX Alongside Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day) as Doctor Fate, a cheap Dr Strange, and Aldis Hodge (City on a Hill) as Hawkman, the father figures of the group. They form the Justice Society: the protectors of global stability. Obviously, this is a step down from the Justice League.
The backdrop of Kahdaq was refreshing compared to the average Western city seen in most superhero films, even though it was a pretty generic representation of a Middle Eastern country. We were brought back to Gotham City, a place we are all too familiar with, where Viola Davis (Suicide Squad) was determined to neutralise Black Adam as a threat to us mere mortals.
Since the masterminded fight scenes in Wonder Woman, DC have never been able to replicate that excitement. The whole film was infected with slow-mo punches and empowering instrumentals in an attempt to drum up some gasps and thrills during their fight scenes. What Marvel was able to master in the early days of their films, DC are still struggling with.
3/5
