When this project was first announced, I was very excited about “Shazam!” because I knew how amazing it could be. The comic book featuring the character is original and heartwarming. Plus the prospect of DC expanding their film brand outside of proven commodities like Superman and Batman was a refreshing sign of faith in their own properties.
The film follows a young foster child named Billy Batson who keeps running away from his foster homes in an attempt to find his biological mother. After defending his current foster brother from bullies at school, Billy is teleported to a magical realm where a wizard named Shazam transfers his power to him. The primary job of the wizard is to keep the seven deadly sins imprisoned. Billy is challenged from the get go by Thaddeus Sivana. As it turns out, Sivana was actually rejected by the wizard Shazam to be his champion which led Sivana on a quest to release the seven deadly sins. Can Billy Batson stop him now that he is the new Shazam? No spoilers from me.
Now I can finally discuss my thoughts on the movie and I loved it! It was everything I hoped it would be and more. The film was both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt at times. “Shazam!” isn’t your typical superhero movie and works largely because of that. At it’s core, “Shazam!” delivers pure wish fulfillment, which is why comic books were made in the first place. What kid doesn’t dream of becoming a superhero?
“Shazam!” has an interesting comic book history. Before Marvel released their “Captain Marvel”, there was Fawcett Comics’ own Captain Marvel, the character later renamed “Shazam!”. In the original comics, Shazam was the name of the wizard who provided Billy Batson with his powers by saying his name (like in the film). This may be hard to believe now, but at one time, the comics featuring Shazam outsold the likes of Superman.
This isn’t the first film adaptation of “Shazam!” made to the surprise of some. In 1941, “Adventures of Captain Marvel” serial hit the silver screen and delighted audiences. A few decades later, the tv show “Shazam” ran from 1974-1976 and was about as corny as corny could get. Speaking of films, this modern “Shazam!” also references many other films in fun ways. The best reference to me was the “Big” reference, seeing as “Shazam!” is basically “Big” crossed with “Superman: The Movie”. I also enjoyed the several nods to “Rocky” since the film was also set in Philadelphia.
A large part of the success of “Shazam!” comes from the cast. Zachary Levi does an amazing job as Shazam and channels his inner kid amazingly. Asher Angel is also a great find as Billy Batson. Angel and Levi do such a good job channeling each other that it seems perfectly feasible that Billy Batson and Shazam are one in the same. I thought Jack Dylan Grazer did a phenomenal job as Freddy Freeman, Billy Batson’s foster brother. Mark Strong did a good job capturing the tragedy behind Sivana and his evil doing. Director David F. Sandberg delivers a special superhero movie that really separates itself from the pack.
The movie is a treat for all ages. It features many amazing special effects and imaginative visual gags that will delight the entire family. It is also full of surprises, from cameos to nods of things to come. Much like “Iron Man 3” and “Batman Returns”, this film also makes for a fun new non-traditional Christmas film. Be sure to stay after the credits for a treat, but don’t get your hopes up that Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam will appear.
“Shazam!” marks yet another success for the DCEU as it tries to course correct after “Justice League”. At this rate, the DCEU might just become the juggernaut of a franchise the MCU has become. So, if you are looking for a great movie, just say the word.
Grade: A-
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