Black Adam

I did not get the chance to see Black Adam in the theater, so I had to wait until it was on HBO Max. I got the chance to watch it last night and I loved it. I was hoping for a Shazam cameo, but I definitely liked the one we got at the end. There will be spoilers from here on out. 

-The quick origin story. Sometimes we do not need a forty-minute explanation of whom the character is or the powers. I also liked how the movie introduces the JSA and does not give us much backstory on them. The movie assumes we can put together that they are heroes, and Carter gives a quick checklist of their abilities. That is all we need. 

-The brutality of Black Adam was impressive. The DCEU is not afraid to be the anti-MCU at times, and this is a case where it paid off. 

-I am tired of the slow-motion fights. It is like the shaky cam that so many people hated. At this point it is overdone. It was cool when they used it to show Quicksilver moving so fast in X-Men, and I loved when Flash is moving like that in Justice League (especially when he looks at Superman and realizes Superman is watching him, meaning he can move as fast). But it felt weird in this movie, like almost a lazy way of shooting a fight. 

-The slow reveal of Black Adam’s true origin was good. It was weird that this kid who became the champion of Khandaq would not be interested in freeing his people. As it was revealed, you feel the depth of Adam’s rage, and can understand him even more. I liked it.

-Always happy to see Sarah Shahi in shows or movies. I have been a fan since Life. I also loved her in The Rookie, and was sad to see her go. 

-I knew Henry Cavill was showing up, so the ending was not a shock, but I would imagine it was a huge shock at the theater. Like I said, I assumed Shazam would pop in at some point, but this ended up being super cool. 

-I half-expected Amon to receive Dr.Fate’s helmet, and be the one to help save Black Adam, but I am guessing if these movies continue, he will get a different set of powers. 

I am curious what happens with this franchise after James Gunn’s decision to scrap some of the DCEU stuff. Henry Cavill is out as Superman, so what does that mean for this series? Does it just exist in a separate universe, like The Batman or The Joker?