DC's anti-hero, Black Adam, hits the big screen

black adam is a DC Comics character who is an old flame of Dwayne Johnson. So much so that he has been linked to the project for over 15 years. And only now managed to get the film to theaters – premieres this Thursday. In the comics, from what I’ve read, black adam is a villain, great enemy of Shazam. Here in the film, things are a little softer. black adam he is an anti-hero without mincing words. He kills and crashes without blinking.

The film reveals his past as a slave in the Kahndaq country. Born in Ancient Egypt, the anti-hero has super strength, speed, stamina, the ability to fly and shoot lightning. It’s just that he’s been asleep for centuries. Until a woman (Sarah Shahi, from Sex/Life) ends up freeing him while trying to save himself from terrible mercenaries. From there, Adam will show his unique form of justice to the modern world. But Amanda Waller (Viola Davis’ micro guest) is worried about what might happen to someone so powerful on the loose. That’s when she sends the Justice Society members to imprison him. But things are going to be more complicated than everyone imagined.

The Justice Society

Those who read the comics will recognize the members of the Justice Society. Aldis Hodge is the leader as Hawkman. Pierce Brosnan imprints his usual charm on Dr. Destiny. Quintessa Swindell is Cyclone, and Noah Centineo is Atom Crusher. I know little about these characters in the comics, but it’s amazing how similar they are to other Marvel heroes. It’s the case of Gavião and Falcão, Dr. Fate with Dr. Strange, Storm Cyclone. Plus Atom-Smasher with Ant-Man. I was shocked.

And the movie?

The film has a beautiful production, many special effects and an interesting story. But it’s amazing how the film’s message surprised me. That is, many times we cannot expect a good hero – we need one that kills without mercy. And this is very clear – with all the letters – at different times. Dwayne Johnson does well showing all the character’s duality. At the same time he kills, he is capable of great moments of empathy in saving the boy friend. I just thought it was strange that in the movie there is no reference to Shazam (the character) and that there will be a new movie coming soon.

I love a film by the director of black adam, Jaume Collet-Serra. IT IS Shallow waters, with Blake Lively. In that film, he manages to keep his attention with only the camera on the actress and the shark. Here, I think he gets a little lost in the grandeur of the thing. The fights – or the way Black Adam exterminates his opponents – is all very much the same. Could have edited these sequences a little better. Also the relationship between Black Adam and Hawkman seems to have the same discussions ad eternum. And you know what, I missed Noah Centineo in more scenes. He is great.

However, the film should please the videogame generation with its scenes edited in a very fast way (like blinked/lost. There are some fun moments. And it also has a post-credits scene, which made the journalists present at the press session (including me) explode of applause. I’m sure you’ll like it too. That is, don’t run away at the end. And you can be sure, black adam will return.