Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Henry Cavill, Viola Davis, Aldis Hodge, Rachel Brosnahan
Runtime: 148 minutes
Genre: Superhero, Action, Drama

Introduction

After years of anticipation, Black Adam vs Superman – Dawn of Justice 2 finally delivers the monumental showdown fans have been craving. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Jungle Cruise, Black Adam), this film is a seismic collision of power, ideology, and raw strength, pitting two of DC’s most formidable beings against each other in a battle that reshapes the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

With Henry Cavill’s triumphant return as Superman and Dwayne Johnson’s electrifying presence as Black Adam, the film is a spectacle of high-octane action, moral dilemmas, and surprising emotional depth. While not without its flaws, Dawn of Justice 2 is a thrilling, visually stunning chapter that elevates the stakes for the franchise.

Plot Summary

Picking up after the events of Black Adam (2022), Teth-Adam (Johnson) has solidified his rule over Kahndaq, enforcing his own brutal brand of justice. The world remains divided—some see him as a necessary protector, while others, including Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), view him as an unchecked global threat.

Meanwhile, Superman (Cavill), having regained the world’s trust after Justice League, is wary of Black Adam’s methods. When Adam executes a group of Intergang mercenaries on live television, the UN—backed by Waller—calls for Superman to intervene. Reluctantly, the Man of Steel confronts the Kahndaqi ruler, leading to an earth-shattering first battle.

As the conflict escalates, hidden forces manipulate events from the shadows. A mysterious figure (teased in a mid-credits scene) seeks to exploit their rivalry, setting the stage for an even greater threat. The film’s final act delivers an explosive, city-leveling duel that pushes both heroes to their limits.

Performances

Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam
Johnson fully embraces the anti-hero role, delivering his best DCEU performance yet. Black Adam is ruthless yet charismatic, with a tragic undercurrent that makes him more than just a villain. His disdain for modern heroes’ restraint fuels his dynamic with Superman, and Johnson’s physicality sells every thunderous punch.

Henry Cavill as Superman
Cavill’s Superman is more seasoned, more human, yet still burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. His moral conflict—whether to stop Adam by force or seek another way—adds depth to the action. Cavill’s commanding presence and emotional range remind us why he’s the definitive live-action Superman.

Supporting Cast

• Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is as calculating as ever, pulling strings with icy precision.

• Aldis Hodge’s Hawkman returns, serving as a mediator between the two powerhouses.

• Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane provides crucial emotional grounding, questioning whether Superman is being manipulated.

Action & Visuals

The fight sequences are nothing short of breathtaking. The first confrontation—set in the ruins of Kahndaq—showcases Superman’s speed and Adam’s raw power, with debris flying and shockwaves rippling through the landscape. The CGI is polished, though a few wide shots suffer from excessive lightning effects.

The final battle in Metropolis rivals Man of Steel’s destruction but with more emotional weight. Superman’s heat vision clashes with Adam’s magical lightning in a dazzling display of contrasting abilities. The choreography emphasizes their differing styles—Superman’s precision vs. Adam’s brutal force.

Themes & Writing

The film explores the ethics of justice: Superman’s idealism vs. Black Adam’s ends-justify-the-means philosophy. Unlike Batman v Superman, their conflict feels more personal and less contrived. The script (credited to Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines) avoids excessive melodrama, though some dialogue leans into cliché (“You bow to no one? Then you’ll kneel to me!”).

The political undertones—interventionism, sovereignty, and propaganda—add weight without overwhelming the narrative. Waller’s manipulations echo real-world geopolitics, making the conflict feel grounded despite its fantastical elements.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues: The first act drags slightly with setup, and a subplot involving a rogue military team feels unnecessary.

• Underused Characters: Hawkman and Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan in a cameo) are sidelined after early scenes.

• Villain Tease Overload: The post-credits reveal (involving a certain other DC tyrant) is exciting but distracts from the main story’s resolution.

Final Verdict

Black Adam vs Superman – Dawn of Justice 2 is a superhero epic that delivers on its promise: two icons clashing in a battle of might and morality. Johnson and Cavill’s chemistry elevates the film beyond mere spectacle, and the action is some of the best in the DCEU. While not as narratively tight as The Batman or as mythic as Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it’s a crowd-pleasing, adrenaline-fueled ride that sets up an exciting future for DC’s cinematic universe.

Must-watch for superhero fans—just brace for impact.

★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Post-Credits Tease:

• Mid-Credits: A shadowy figure (wearing a familiar purple ring) observes the battle footage, grinning.

• Final Scene: Superman stands atop the Daily Planet, gazing at the horizon—a red streak suddenly appears in the sky. “Barry? No… faster.”

Would you watch this movie? What would you want to see in a Superman vs. Black Adam showdown? Let us know in the comments! 🚀⚡