Is it possible for an origin film to try so hard, to fit in every trope and idea imaginable, that the movie ruins the origin genre? Black Adam gets awfully close, but hey Mo Amer is hilarious! Here’s my full review.
In ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years have passed and Black Adam has gone from man, to myth, to legend. Now released, his unique form of justice, born out of rage, is challenged by modern day heroes who form the Justice Society: Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.
This bloated origin tale throws every conceivable idea as it can at the audience. Instead of trashing the film as many, many others have been doing I’ll just give a couple of highlights. These are not saving graces but more the only things I actually thought worked.
Mohammad Amer aka Karim in the film aka the brother aka the funny comedian with his really funny show is the only enjoyable part of this movie! Look you need to watch Mo’s show or at least his stand up specials. The Houstonian is easily the comedic relief for this “blockbuster”. The Rock’s most catch-worthy lines are worked off of Amer’s wise cracking moments. In a movie dominated by boring CGI battle fodder the comedic ebb and flow between Amer, The Rock, or any of the “protected” family members is all that seems worthy. The historical breakdown is so rushed and holds a massive twist that honestly defeats the entire trope all together. This is all before the ZOMBIES show up!
The Black Adam suit looks pretty cool is another positive.
The light connection to Egyptian life and history are handled with more woke hands but ultimately gets lost.
If you need to feel numb for 2 hours and 4 minutes, Black Adam is a decent choice.
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Written by: Screenplay by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, & Sohrab Noshirvanni. Created By Otto Binder & C.C. Beck
Rated: PG-13
Selig Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 2hr 4min
Action / Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Release: In Theaters only on October 21st
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Mo Amer, Pierce Brosnan, Aldis Hodge, & Viola Davis
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
