BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
Black Adam (Now showing in theatres)
This film is rated PG-13 – for language, violence, and adult themes
So a superhero movie has hit the cinemas again. This time out it’s DC’s Black Adam starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Once again Hollywood has proven that the formula works, and we all head on over to our local theatre, plop down our cash, and watch a superhero do the right thing and save humanity.
Or one would think.
I was pleasantly surprised at Black Adam. This is not the “aw shucks” do-gooder hero we are used to. He is, shall we say, decidedly NOT that guy.
Black Adam is a tale of anger and vengeance dished out by a man with some serious juice, and unlike so many superhero films, he kills people. A lot of people. In fact, I lost count how many people die at his hands. Sure, they are bad guys. Sure, they had it coming. But yowza! His total lack of caring about their lives is unprecedented for a film like this.
Frankly, I am kind of shocked it only got a PG-13 rating, considering the amount of bone-crushing action and the number of deaths in this one.
That being said, I have to admit, I loved it! I have grown weary of the standard superhero plot line, and Black Adam for sure turns that formula on its ear. There are, of course, other superheroes in this film that are the “aw shucks killing is bad” variety, and his disdain for them is palpable. And let’s face it, with our current dysfunctional legal system, I have to admit I was cheering him on. It was refreshing to see the bad guys get what they deserve, at least in a film. In real life, I would be appalled at that kind of bloodshed.
As always, no plot spoilers, but suffice to say, it’s brutal and it’s entertaining, but I would be VERY cautious about bringing young ones to see this one, folks. I will give one example. SPOILER ALERT
His first kill on screen is melted by electricity while being held aloft, and the melting spares little for the imagination … it’s brutal.
Three out of five stars for Black Adam. It’s got a decent story, good effects, it stars The Rock (for me, he will forever be The Rock), and it’s very entertaining.