Following so-so social media reactions, the full reviews for Black Adam are now in, and they are decidedly mixed (at best).
Most critics seem to agree that Dwayne Johnson does terrific work in the lead role, and while others were won over by the bevy of action sequences on display, they were less impressed by the predictable story, a disappointing villain, and underdeveloped supporting characters.
The Guardian did enjoy the film, calling it "Droll, witty, and proportioned like the proverbial outdoor brick-built convenience," before adding that "Johnson is well placed to realise the superhero movie’s potential as surrealist action comedy."
Total Film gave the movie 3 stars, but noted that "the rushed plotting leaves an over-crowded stage variably served: while Centineo and Brosnan stir intermittent laughs, Marwan Kenzari’s villain is no crowning glory."
USA Today gave a 2 out of 4 verdict, noting that "the newest DC film is full of swagger and intensity, yet it sadly lacks character – which is a problem considering Black Adam rolls out all sorts of new personalities. This is Johnson’s baby, a film spotlighting a complicated antihero he has championed for years. It wins some battles and packs plenty of punch, yet it just can’t get past familiar tropes and flaws."
One of the most positive reviews comes from Collider, who awarded the movie a B: "Black Adam isn’t a full-on course correction for the DCEU, but it is an encouraging new installment in this larger universe. Collet-Serra knows how to present this darkness and antihero in a way that’s effective, while also fleshing out one of the most promising additions to DC’s ever-expanding cadre of characters."
The UK Independent was a lot less generous, calling Black Adam a "bewildering mess," and awarding the film just 1 out of 5.
The movie currently sits right in the middle at 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, but that score is sure to fluctuate as more reviews are added. I'm seeing it in the morning, so I'll be sure to report back ASAP.
"From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure Black Adam. The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”). Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods— and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world."
Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (City on a Hill, One Night in Miami) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (Sex/Life, Rush Hour 3) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (Murder on the Orient Express, The Mummy) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (Voyagers, Trinkets) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (A Million Little Things) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the Mamma Mia! and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.
Black Adam will be released nationwide on 21st October 2022 by Warner Bros. Pictures.