Black Adam arrives like greased lightnin'

Black Adam has always had an identity problem. This goes all the way back to 1945 when he debuted as a villain and then evolved into a hero as time went on. The comic book creative team fell in love with the dubious character, much like Magneto and The Punisher, that were treated similarly storywise.

Adam is part of the Shazam family but many may not notice this, other than the costume, without any guest stars from the previous comedy Shazam! Instead, viewers are introduced to new characters in the Justice Society which piggybacks off of The Suicide Squad.

This shows the cracks in Black Adam and where it goes wrong right away. This project was a chance for Dwayne Johnson to shine and to introduce a complicated fellow into the DC Universe. While Johnson fills out the tights well, he does nothing to make this antihero his own. He could have stretched his acting chops with an Egyptian accent or possibly try an expression besides always looking pensive and concerned during the two hours.

This 11th film in the DC extended universe plays like a summer action blockbuster but is released in October. The niche built-in audience of older fanboys will enjoy the eye-popping special effects and long-awaited big-budget treatment.

When ideas are stolen from James Gunn's Squad such as the pitiful attempts at humor and the rock soundtrack, Adam is just thunder without lightning. The secondary players take over the plot and stand out with breakthrough performances. Aldis Hodge displays that golden age comic shocked look of Hawkman and Pierce Brosnan has aged well as the magical Doctor Fate. Noah Centino as Atom Smasher and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone play upcoming heroes full of flair and youthful energy.

There is an opportunity towards the end to give a supporting member of the cast a chance to take up the mantle of a deceased hero that is missed by the writers of the script that will surely happen in the future.

Black Adam busts into theaters on October 21, 2022. Cinematically, Teth Adam faires better than Aquaman but is behind The Suicide Squad which it tries to emulate at times. Diehards can expect to see more from this marvelous family in Shazam! Fury of the Gods in 2023. Will they have time to squeeze in a piece of The Rock? Only time will tell!