The new DC superhero film Black Adam is a daring new step for the DC Universe in that it takes an ambiguous, almost villain-like character, and ask that we make him our new well-loved anti-superhero. And Dwayne Johnson rarely cracks a smile in this film, as he is the bad guy we root for, and his origin story is one we empathize with. If anything, it recalls The Dark Knight Batman as a flawed superhero, and I’m predicting this one will take audiences by surprise, and they’ll love it. 

In terms of narrative, exposition and cinematography, I’d call it an antithesis to Superman meets Zack Snyder’s 300; and while it is overlong and could have used some editing, it does break new ground for DC. In terms of end game story-telling, I’ll call it a strong establishing film that should keep the DC Universe moving with fresh momentum for a number of films to come.

Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is one of the most powerful of superheroes to come our way; but what makes the story interesting is how also at the heart of the film, is a mother-son relationship, that of Adrianna (Sarah Shahi, an actress of Iranian descent), and Amon (Bodhi Sabongui, who’s of Canadian/Egyptian descent). Together, they form the human, emotional core of the film, and give it a unique dimension.

Then there’s the Justice Society of America, which is made up of Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo). They add to the superhero element, and echo the Justice League. If there’s a fault here, it’s how Cyclone and Atom Smasher are such minor, support characters, and we don’t get a real feel for these two younger superheroes.

As the prologue states, the first aspect of this origin story dates back to an ancient civilization that precedes Rome or Babylon. It’s well documented and makes for an interesting perspective, but here again, perhaps takes too long to develop.

This is the kind of film you actually don’t want to talk about too much, as ultimately, it’s one that’s best discovered cold, and one just appreciates the connection to Shazam. But before you jump to conclusions, also know that it exists on a very different plane from Shazam. There are little visual jokes that also connect it to the larger and established Justice League, but just be ready to enjoy how the connections are made.

Black Adam opens in cinemas today and watching it on an IMAX screen is recommended. Jaume Collet-Serra directs, and while he’s better known for such films as Orphan and The Shallows, it’s obvious he’s taken early-Zack Snyder lessons, and it works!