Black Adam (2022)

  

Plot

In ancient times, Teth Adam was gifted with powers by the gods to fight back against those that took everything from him. After getting his revenge he was imprisoned. He is freed in modern times and is confronted by the Justice Society who urge him to be more heroic.

Review

Black Adam rocked! That was most definitely pun intended. Dwayne Johnson is perfect as Adam. In wrestling there is a term called tweeners, which are neither fully good guy/face or bad guy/heel. The Rock has been one for years and I think because of his charisma and attitude works best in the role. I think that's a big reason he excels in this part. His supporting cast is great too. Sarah Shahi does a fantastic job as Adrianna, being both freedom fighter and mother in equal parts. Speaking of which Bodhi Sabongui is also great as her son Amon. I really hope if the film gets a sequel they become part of the Black Adam family (though I hope their fate is better than that of their comic book counterparts). Mohommad Amer's Karim is a great comedic support for the characters too.

The Justice Society presented work really well. Aldis Hodge version of Carter Hall is the perfect asshole hero. He definitely is a good stand in for American Imperialism and his overconfidence and drive makes him a great foil for Black Adam. Peirce Brosnan really steals the show as the Kent Nelson version of Doctor Fate. His ongoing commentary and snark brings a great sense of levity to a movie that's pretty dark at times. Also, when the Helm takes over and he goes full Doctor Fate, the effects are gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous effects, the team did an excellent job with Quintessa Swindell's Cyclone. Wind powers (or aerokinesis as she calls it) seem like they'd be boring to see on the screen but by incorporating her and he costumes color scheme into them, the visuals were made quite striking. She seemed like a fae or spirit when she was in action. Rounding out the team Noah Centineo plays the young Atom Smasher, nephew of a former JSA member. He's wide-eyed and thinks the world is amazing. He's also a big kid and has some great comedic moments (especially with Hawkman). I want to add with these characters, I really appreciated that their powers were just explained in one or two short sentences. We didn't have to see full origins for them and it really worked.

There are a few Task Force X characters that appear in the flick. Amanda Waller plays a significant story role in the movie and Emilia Harcourt appears briefly. There are two really cool metahuman cameos, but I will not spoil them The first one, no one is really talking about and occurs early in the flick. This one made me super happy. The second one is bigger, but made me super happy. Intergang were the bad guys in this one and while they had a cool style, they weren't super interesting. That really didn't matter much though, because the conflict was more between Adam and the JSA. They were just a vehicle to move things along.

The film is full of brutal and comedic action. Honestly I laughed quite a bit and also winced at the things Adam did to Intergang. This was an interesting approach though. The big moral conflict presented is Hawkman's "heroes don't kill" vs Black Adam's "I do what I have to do" mentalities. Honestly, the movie pretty much always leans into Adam being right. This is because Hawkman tends to be presented as an asshole and because Adam's kills are just so fun. Like it's hard to judge when you're wincing and/or laughing.

Critics are saying the nicest things about this flick, but I thought it was one of the better superhero movies in recent years. I wasn't bored at all, the cast was spectacular, the effects were great. I enjoyed it and plan on seeing it in theaters again (with my dad this time).

In Your Game

I attempted to stat Black Adam out for 5e. He's way OP (though I'm not sure if he is for his challenge rating or not). He should be ridiculously powerful though. 

Code Name: Black Adam

Real Name: Teth Adam

Team Affiliation: Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Secret Society of Super Villains, Black Marvel Family. Monster Society of Evil, Injustice Society, Justice League, Justice Society of America, Suicide Squad, Khandaq, Council of Immortals 

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Evil

Armor Class: 19(Natural)

HP: 250

Speed: 80 ft., fly 80 ft.

Challenge: 17(18,000 XP)

STR:  26 (+8), DEX: 18 (+4), CON: 24 (+7), 

INT: 12 (+1), WIS: 16 (+3), CHA:15 (+2)

Saving Throws: Con +12, Str +13; 

Skills: Athletics +13. History +5,  Intimidation +13

Damage Resistances: cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical

Damage Immunities: Lightning, Thunder

Senses: Passive Perception: 13

Languages: Can speak and understand all languages

Unique Abilities:

Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If Black Adam fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance: Black Adam has advantage on saving throws against spells and other effects.

Magic Weapons: Black Adams weapon attacks are magical.

Powerful Build: Black Adam can carry/lift twice the weight of a normal creature his size. Additionally, he can wield heavy weapons with one hand.

Regeneration: As long as he has at least 1 hit point, Black Adam regains 10 hit points at the start of his turns. This trait doesn't work if he was exposed to Eternium on the previous turn.

Siege Monster: Black Adam deals double damage to objects and structures.

Super Senses: Black Adam has advantage on all Perception rolls.

Teth Adam: When not in his Black Adam form, Teth Adam has the equivelent stats as a Bandit Captain (though his Int and Wis stay the same).

Actions:

Multiattack: Black Adam can make three slam attacks.

Lightning Bolt: Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 100 ft., one target. Hit: 31 (7d8) lightning damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin.. 

Shocking Grasp: Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8+8) lighting damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin.

Shazam! Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 63(14d8) lighting damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin. All creatures within 10 feet must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 31 (7d8) Lighting damage  (or half damage on a successful saving throw). Black Adam transforms into Teth Adam.

Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Reaction

Say The Name: Teth Adam transforms into Black Adam and makes a Shazam! attack.

Legendary Actions: 

Black Adam can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Black Adam regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Brutalize (Costs 2 actions). Black Adam makes one slam attack against a creature he can see. On a hit, he deals normal damage and the target has disadvantage on ability checks until the end of its next turn.

Move: Black Adam moves up to his move speed.

Pummel: Black Adam makes two slam attacks.

Say The Name (Costs 2 actions): Teth Adam transforms into Black Adam and makes a Shazam! attack.