Welcome back everyone to my latest review where I will be looking at the other Captain Marvel movie that I saw this weekend (it’s a very long story, but in short, DC comics changed the name Captain Marvel into Shazam, after Marvel got the rights or something like that). Now I have already discussed my thoughts on the DCEU movies released thus far in my all DCEU movies ranked post (which you can check out right now if your curious), and if like I said there I have really enjoyed all of their films (except for Suicide Squad), so naturally I was really excited about Shazam!, since I am pretty familiar with the character thanks to the New 52 comic that was released a couple years back (highly recommend it). Also the trailers have really impressed me kind of making the movie feel like Big, but with a superhero. And I am glad to say that the film does not disappoint, as Shazam! proves that Wonder Woman, and Aquaman were far from flukes for DC films.
We follow are main character, Billy Batson, as he goes from foster home to foster home trying to find his real mother after losing her at an amusement park. After another failed attempt, he is given one lost shot at the foster life, and is taken in by the Vasquez’s, and is introduced to the rest of the foster children, including Freddy Freeman who is a major Superhero geek. At first he doesn’t take too kindly to this new family of his, but he does help Freddy out when he is being attacked by bullies. While Billy is able to escape from them, he finds himself getting into other problems as he is transported to the lair of the an old, and powerful wizard who is looking for someone worthy to pass his power to in order to stop the 7 deadly sins from wreaking havoc. He then gives Billy the power to turn into a powerful superhero every time he says the name Shazam! Billy, confused about what to do goes to Freddy for help, and together they discover all sorts of abilities that Billy can do in this form. So naturally they take advantage if this, and use his powers to cause all sorts of shenanigans, and become an internet sensation. But, when in a powerful evil in the form of Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, comes into the fray, can Billy learn to control his powers, and become the hero that was prophesied by the Wizard.
Now for those of you who have seen the trailers, I will say that they give nothing away in terms of major things that happen in the film, which is just so refreshing, and great for those who have not read the comics. To be honest this film is actually really comic accurate, and has scenes that do remind me of it. But what I was really surprised about from this film is how yes it is lighthearted, but it also knows when to be serious. I particularly like how the films does not shy away from looking at the foster care system in an honest light, and showing how hard it can be for kids to get used to it, and the way Billy’s journey to find his mom also presents some harsh truths too. But the film also has a great message of always having people no matter if they are friends or family, at your side, and that that makes you even more powerful. And of course the film is also appropriately hilarious throughout with so many great jokes, that had me laughing out loud (Billy trying to learn his powers is a highlight as is one great scene in the 3rd act, with two people far away from each other), and I like how it looks into what a kid would do if he had superpowers like this. Its really amazing how consistent the tone is, with only a couple issues regarding that balance in some scenes. The film also absolutely earns its PG-13 rating as there are a number of scenes that are surprisingly gruesome, and scary (no surprise, I guess since David F. Sandberg is known for movies like Lights Out), and it really makes the film feel like one of those 80’s movies like Gremlins or the Goonies that knew how to give the kids a good scare.
The film also takes advantage of its admittedly low budget compared to most superhero movies ($90 million), to create some fun, and well done action sequences. While the movie doesn’t have too much of it, what is presented is well-made, and exciting (especially the 3rd act where things really take-off). There is also a number of really intense moments throughout, that work as intended thanks to David F. Sandberg’s fine direction. If there is one thing that bother me about the movie, is that the CGI is not the best there is, not bad, but is a bit of a comedown when compared to some of the other DC films (again that’s largely due to the smaller than usual budget), and there a couple of moments like in the flying scenes where the green screen shows a little bit (although Sivana does look cool flying), and the film also has another generic CGI army to face in the form of the 7 deadly sins (although they each have different designs, I would have preferred if the film went with the designs from the New 52 Comic). But its not terrible, and does not distract from the film in anyway (although the best visuals are in the end credits themselves since it is 2D animated, and you have no idea how satisfying it is to see that on the big screen). The movie also contains a number of pop culture references that did gain a few chuckles (not just DC references).
But the best part about the film is unquestionably Zachary Levi as the titular character himself. He brings so much energy to the role, nailing the comedic, and dramatic beats and makes Shazam a character whom audiences will want to see more of in a sequel. Asher Angel also does a decent job as Billy, but its the other child actors that really shine. Jack Dylan Grazer, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, and Jovan Armand do a great job as the foster kid, as do Marta Milan, and Cooper Andrews as the Foster Parents, and they are so good together, that I would not mind just a movie about them doing family activties, that’s how much I think people will like them. Mark Strong is also very menacing, and threatening, and makes Sivana a very strong villain (maybe people will forget he was in Green Lantern after this). The movie actually presents Sivana in a sympathetic light, and actually shows him as the polar opposite of Billy, where he at least has people supporting him, while Sivana did not have anything like that as a child (this is shown in a very strong opening scene).
So in conclusion Shazam! is a wonderful coming of age flick disguised as a superhero movie, and is just a blast all the way through. Now in terms of where I would rank it in term of the DCEU franchise, if i’m gonna be honest this might be my favorite of the bunch (its either this one or Man of Steel, in a very close race). I just loved this movie, and it definitely is not like many other superhero movies. In fact it is so good, that I have no problem admitting that I am just as excited for the next DCEU flick, as I am for the next MCU adventure, so WB if your reading this, bring on whatever you have planned for this franchise, because I will surely be there.
Rating: A-
Please share your thoughts down below in the comments, and I will see you guys next time!
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