Review: ‘Black Adam’ isn’t pulling any punches

There is a fine line between an anti-hero and a villain, and it’s primarily based on intentions. While the villain’s plans are generally nefarious and harmful, an anti-hero approaches the situation with the purpose of protecting others — by any means necessary. The last part is what puts heroes and anti-heroes at odds as the former insists on preserving all life, and the latter is content with being judge, jury and executioner. Superheroes like Batman flirt with the idea of terminating their opponents, but then they’d probably terminate his Justice League membership. Conversely, there is no hesitation to eliminate the threat in Black Adam.

The city of Kahndaq is occupied by a criminal military entity known as the Intergang. They patrol the streets, manage checkpoints and execute anyone that opposes their rule. The city’s history goes back thousands of years, including a legend of a crown made of a powerful mineral called Eternium and an emperor that enslaved his people to complete it. But they were freed by Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson), a slave imbued with ancient powers, and the magical Crown of Sabbac was hidden beneath the depths of the city. However, its location has been deciphered and Kahndaq is once again in need of a hero to protect its people from utter destruction — it needs Teth-Adam.

The modern-day story begins Indiana Jones-style with a close call, leading into a ground-breaking archeological expedition led by Adrianna (Sarah Shahi). However, through a wing and prayer, Teth-Adam is restored just in time to confront the highly armed convoy that’s come to claim the crown, while The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black” fills the soundtrack. This is just one of several montages in which Adam takes on the people’s enemy to the beat of a rocking song, killing all who would stand in his way without mercy. His no-hold-barred approach draws the attention of the Justice Society, led by Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) who is joined by Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo). Unfortunately for them, Adam has all the power of Superman and none of his magnanimity, so stopping him proves exceptionally difficult.

Johnson has been with this project for 15 years, which is quite a long time for a film not to be made with such a big name already attached. Refusing to play any other comic book characters, he bided his time until they finally let him bring Adam to the screen. He has a strikingly intense personality, facing any opposition without fear — or tact. It’s impossible for Adam and the Justice Society to see eye to eye, and their attempts to bring down Kahndaq’s champion is met with reproach by its citizens, particularly Adrianna’s son Amon (Bodhi Sabongui), who’ve waited years for someone to return their freedom. There’s no doubt Adam is an anti-hero, but it’s also difficult to call his manner of protection wrong when the occupying forces have inflicted so much harm — and that’s the constant, unsurmountable divide between him and Hawkman.

Unlike many other DC movies, this one finds a balance between violence and humour. While Adam’s brash approach is more hard-hitting than the average superhero picture, it uses his fish-out-of-water naiveté of the new world to break the tension. Moreover, Atom Smasher is the team’s jester. Not entirely a master of his power and just beginning his world-saving career, his clumsy errors are a consistent source of laughter. Equally important is the narrative’s ability to express sincerity and heartbreak, drawing viewers in via an array of emotions. With multiple threats ranging from micro to macro, the heroes have their hands full, whether they agree on how to dispatch the antagonists or not.

While it seemed rather inevitable that Johnson would eventually don a cape and/or tights, his commitment to this particular character — on- and off-screen — is commendable. Having lived with Adam for so long, he knows his personality intimately and does not waver, even when delivering Adam’s stoic humour. Brosnan is a bit of a surprise, but he lends his charm and wisdom to Fate, an intellectual hero who fights his battles with his mind. Meanwhile, Hodge is a brawny strategist who believes a bad plan is better than no plan, which leads to some interesting improvisations. Swindell and Centineo are relatively new to the scene, but they carry their supporting characters well. Combined, however, this Justice Society has some of the most attractive CGI superpowers to grace the screen. Director Jaume Collet-Serra followed an interesting path to this point in his career, transitioning from horror to a number of Liam Neeson thrillers, which inspires some unconventional choices but a still compelling action adventure.

Leaks have all but spoiled the post-credit scene, but if you can avoid them, it’s a head turner. In any case, spoilers or not, the rise of Black Adam is a winner.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge and Pierce Brosnan