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Black Adam (2022)! khanh

1. Plot Summary

In ancient Kahndaq, Teth-Adam was granted powers by the wizard Shazam, but used them for vengeance, leading to his entombment for millennia. When he is released in the modern day by archeological interest in the Crown of Sabbac (which channels power through a rare mineral “Eternium”), Adam returns to a broken world. American archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) inadvertently frees him. As Adam re-emerges, his moral code of “justice via power” clashes with modern heroes. The Justice Society of America (including Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher, Cyclone) is mobilized to stop him, and ultimately must decide: is Black Adam villain, antihero, or savior of his homeland?

The setting moves between the deserts and grand ruins of Kahndaq, urban modern conflict, mystical realms, and large battlefields. The film reveals Adam’s tragic backstory, the suffering of the people of Kahndaq, and the heavy price of power.


2. Notable Elements

Strengths / highlights:

  • Dwayne Johnson’s presence: Adam dominates the screen. Many reviews praise this as possibly his strongest superhero role, with charisma, gravitas, and a restraint that lets his presence speak.
  • Introduction of the Justice Society: The inclusion of Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Atom Smasher, Cyclone adds breadth to the DC cinematic universe. Some scenes, especially Dr. Fate’s contemplative moments, bring weight.
  • Action & visual spectacle: The film leans into big set-pieces, high power displays, magical effects, storms, lightning, destruction. It’s visually ambitious and often entertaining on a spectacle level.
  • Tragic backstory & stakes: Adam’s personal tragedies, the plight of Kahndaq, and his drive to protect his land lend emotional grounding (when the script allows). The scenes that dwell on ruins, suffering, and the legacy of oppression are among the more affecting.

Weaknesses / criticisms:

  • Thin antagonist / lack of compelling villain: Critics note that Adam lacks an equal opposing force, making many confrontations feel one-sided.
  • Overstuffed script, many side characters: With multiple JSA members introduced, the film sometimes fails to give them meaningful arcs or chemistry. Some reviews argue the movie is stretched across too many characters and plot threads.
  • Expository burden & pacing issues: The first act is heavy in setup, lore, worldbuilding, and rule explanation, which slows momentum. Some fights or dramatic beats don’t land fully because of shifting tones or editing.
  • Mixed critical reception: On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a lower approval rating (~39 %), and critics often call it “uneven,” “generic” or overambitious.

3. Themes and Messages

  • Power & justice: The film grapples with what it means to use power justly. Black Adam’s brand of “justice” is often violent or absolute—he imposes his will. The tension between protection and tyranny is central.
  • Legacy, suffering, and responsibility: Adam’s actions are informed by centuries of oppression in Kahndaq and personal loss. He feels responsibility to save his homeland, even when his methods conflict with modern morality.
  • Redemption & identity: Since he’s not purely villainous, Adam is an antihero: a man wrestling with morally ambiguous choices, trying to find his place in a changed world.
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  • Conflict between old magic/tradition and modern order: The film contrasts ancient rules, mystical power, and modern governance or hero structures (JSA, legal systems).
  • Sacrifice & consequences: Many characters pay heavy costs for their choices—loss, death, moral compromise.

Relating to holiday sentiments: Black Adam is not a holiday film, but certain undercurrents align—for example, the idea of protecting one’s community, doing what is right (albeit imperfectly), sacrifice for others, and hope for renewal even from ruins can echo themes of reflection, renewal, and moral aspiration common in holiday or year-end narratives.


4. Personal Impressions

What I liked:

  • Watching Johnson carry such a weighty character was compelling; I felt his presence in many scenes truly anchored the film.
  • The spectacle is fun: magical storms, large scale battles, power clashes, cinematic destruction—all deliver when the film leans fully into action.
  • Some supporting moments, especially Dr. Fate’s scenes and the JSA’s involvement, offer more emotional texture than expected.
  • The film dares to make its lead more morally gray, not a clean hero—a difference that gives potential.

What didn’t fully work for me:

  • The exposition drags in parts. Early setup and lore dumps lessen the initial excitement.
  • Because side characters have limited space, many feel underwritten; in big fights, I sometimes lost investment in who was fighting or why.
  • The villainy and opposition to Adam often feel weak—not emotionally compelling or challenging enough.
  • The tone sometimes swings: moments of epic gravitas, then back to comic / spectacle mode; these shifts can feel jarring.

5. Audience Recommendations

You might especially enjoy Black Adam if you:

  • Like DC / comic book films, especially if you’re interested in antiheroes rather than clean heroes.
  • Enjoy big spectacle, fantasy, magic + superhero powers in an over-the-top style.
  • Appreciate Dwayne Johnson in a more intense, serious role.
  • Are okay with some narrative flaws in exchange for entertainment, visuals, and action.

You might be less enthusiastic if you:

  • Want tightly plotted, character-driven superhero stories where no side is undercooked.
  • Prefer heroes with moral clarity rather than antihero ambiguity.
  • Dislike heavy lore, exposition, or films struggling with balance (action vs story).

6. Conclusions & Rating

Black Adam is a mixed but entertaining entry in the DC film universe. It doesn’t fully rise to greatness, but it offers enough spectacle, a charismatic lead performance, and dark ambition to be worth watching—especially for fans of more morally complex superhero stories. It sets up future possibilities, even if it stumbles in execution.

Final Recommendation: Watch it if you want to see DC push an antihero narrative, enjoy big action and fantasy elements, and don’t mind some narrative unevenness.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5)

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