Nobody is expecting Black Adam to be a critical darling, let alone be an awards magnet, but there are high hopes for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be a game-changer for the DCEU.
Although Black Adam isn’t set to hit theaters until October 21, the review embargo will be lifted next week. More importantly, the early reactions are already in after journalists got a chance to watch the highly-anticipated DC film, and it’s a good sign for the DCEU.
Fandango’s Erik Davis and Collider’s Editor-in-Chief, Steven Weintraub, both had positive things to say about Black Adam, specifically, Johnson’s performance. The former claims that Johnson has found a “great balance in being menacing & badass, but also empathetic” while the latter agreed that Johnson is “fantastic” in his role.
Here are some of the early reactions to Black Adam:
have seen #BlackAdam. @TheRock is fantastic as Black Adam. He spent 10 years getting ready for this role and he literally kills anyone and everyone in his way and I loved that he didn't pull back on who Black Adam is. Left the theater wanting to see the sequel immediately. pic.twitter.com/oLQc9lg7KR
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 13, 2022
DC’s #BlackAdam ROCKS! Tons of action, characters you’re instantly invested in & terrific pacing. Dwayne Johnson finds a great balance in being menacing & badass, but also empathetic. Especially loved Aldis Hodge’s Hawkman & Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate. More JSA movies please! pic.twitter.com/YSCco9zYA3
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) October 13, 2022
Black Adam is everything that I hoped it would be and more. A Snyder-esque antihero spectacle that delivers big action and impressive set pieces. Dwayne Johnson transforms into Black Adam, a role that he was born to play. Centineo & Swindell are so damn fun to watch. #BlackAdam pic.twitter.com/V1tY0liyph
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) October 13, 2022
Had to go through metal detectors for the Black Adam NY screening. Pity it’s bad – no emotional depth, zero sense of peril for the main character and dull CGI battles. #BlackAdam pic.twitter.com/gUjxHy1oUO
— Sean Keane (@SpectacularSean) October 13, 2022
#BlackAdam is a game-changer!! This is the #DCComics movie I’ve been waiting for & it did not disappoint. @TheRock is electrifyingly brutal as Black Adam! This is what I wanted Black Adam to be. The action in the film is non-stop & seeing the #JSA on the big screen was a thrill! pic.twitter.com/NigTxsfmd7
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) October 13, 2022
The last time that the DCEU had a big hit with the critics, it flopped with audiences. We’re hoping the “mixed positive” reactions to Black Adam translate to global box office numbers similar to the Aquaman film from 2018, which remains the DCEU’s biggest hit.
Having said that, the review embargo lifts early next week ahead of the premiere, so we’ll know more about what critics have to say about the film by then. Most likely, we’ll also find out by then if it’s true that Henry Cavill has finally taken the Superman suit out of the closet to take on Black Adam, as Johnson keeps on eagerly teasing online.
Speaking of Black Adam, a recent feature showed that Jennifer Holland’s Agent Emilia Harcourt will return for the third time in the upcoming DCEU film. Fingers crossed, this will lead to the Black Adam appearance that John Cena is hoping for in the second season of Peacemaker.
