Critics hate it, but audiences love it. A film that’s made for the big screen, Black Adam stars Dwayne Johnson – previously known as The Rock.
The film is all action, and the first film outing for the character. Exploring what it means to be a hero or a villain, it’s a bash-fest that doesn’t leave room for much else.
Johnson plays Black Adam like Arnold Schwarzenegger was in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a stoic, soulless killing machine, gaining a glimmer of humanity and even a sense of humour.
Reviewers might call it a chaotic mess, but this is just the beginning. In interviews, Johnson insists he ultimately wants Black Adam to battle it out with Superman. “That’s the whole point of all this,” he stated.
One reviewer calls Black Adam a ton of fun, with a humorously homicidal antihero who puts an irreverent spin on the superhero formula. Johnson plays a rare villain(ish) role, creating carnage in his path, with a knowing smirk to camera.
Peace by Chocolate, on the other hand, is all about humanity. The story follows a charming young Syrian refugee struggling to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
The film is a bona-fide crowd pleaser, and a true story to boot. It’s a wonderful tale that beautifully encapsulates the journey for betterment with a bittersweet delivery.
“Where do I belong?” is a question many of us never have to ask of ourselves, but watching this film leads to questioning: “What would I do in this situation?”
This is a heartwarming story with a Come from Away vibe, and while it doesn’t shy away from the racism immigrants experience in Canada, the triumph of compassion over adversity is at its core.
Black Adam, which is rated PG, plays at the Patricia Theatre from November 4 to 8 at 7 pm. Running time is two hours and five minutes.
Peace by Chocolate, also PG, screens at 7 pm on November 9, and at 1:30 and 7 pm on November 10. Run time is one hour and 37 minutes.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society (formerly Powell River Film Society).
