Film Review: Black Adam
The long-gestating Black Adam, whose association with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson long predates the DC Extended Universe itself, is finally here. Exactly what’s described on its tin, the film never really fulfills Johnson’s hyperbolic overpromise of “changing the hierarchy of power of the DC Universe,” but there’s a fleet charm in its unapologetic goofiness and blunt-force alacrity. An uneven rebuttal of black and white superhero morality, Black Adam successfully — and at times sloppily — juggles its brutality and crowd-pleasing action; it’s a classic superhero team-up in a mixed bag. Minor spoilers ahead…
Film Review: Army of the Dead
Taking a blood-soaked buzzsaw to his signature pretensions, Zack Snyder delivers his best film since 2004’s Dawn of the Dead. Yes, it’s bloated, and yes, it features the filmmaker’s penchant for stylized pop-video aesthetics, but Army of the Dead is clear and fun where it matters. Snyder’s construction of a new zombie mythos - coupled with bombastic action - is nothing short of delightful. Minor spoilers ahead…
Film Review: Zack Snyder's Justice League
What can only be described as a fervently anticipated reclamation of an artist’s vision, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a unique beast not just among comic book adaptations, but filmmaking in general. More than just a simple director’s cut, Justice League - or The Snyder Cut, as it’s been affectionately dubbed by fans - is a lumbering, bloated, and generic superhero epic, but it’s also a massive improvement over its 2017 iteration. Stripped of its director’s trademark grimness and imbued with a surprising amount of heart, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is finally the big screen team-up worthy of its iconic characters. Minor spoilers ahead…
Film Review: Justice League
Justice League avoids DOA status like Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, but Wonder Woman it is not. An attempt is made to inject much needed levity and fun to the franchise; however, a rotten foundation of previous stinkers, a cookie-cutter plot, and the worst comic book film villain in recent memory sabotage the film. Mild spoilers ahead...