Movie Review: Shazam!

Shazam!

Director: David F. Sandberg

Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 132 minutes

I’m in the minority of people when it comes to the DC Extended Universe movies. I want them to succeed, but out of 6 movies I only really like one of them. And even then I have my own problems with Wonder Woman. But now we have the seventh entry in DC’s film universe, and I think it’s their best movie yet.

Billy Batson is a 14-year-old orphan, who keeps going from foster home to foster home. Deeming him a worthy successor for his powers, a wizard grants him the ability to turn into a superhero by saying his name, Shazam! The movie takes a lot of its inspiration from the Geoff Johns, New 52 version of the character. The first part of the movie moves a bit slower, but once Billy becomes Shazam, things pick up. It’s definitely one of the more lighthearted DC movies, but it’s not 100% a kids movie. Some parts do get a little more PG-13 leaning towards an R, but it’s not too much to go all the way.

I don’t think there’s a bad performance from anyone in the cast. Asher Angel is a good Billy Batson and goes through a whole emotional journey. Zachary Levi as Shazam really captures the spirit of the 14-year-old kid, and really blends the two. I think Jack Dylan Frazer really steals the show as Freddy Freeman though. His rapport with both Billy and Shazam are seamless and really help cement the two as one single character. Dr. Sivana is given a villainous look by Mark Strong, who feels in place as a DC comics villain. But this time he’s less pink.

As much as I like this movie (and I will be seeing it again) I have some complaints. Some of the CGI and special effects don’t look too good. It’s more noticeable when Shazam is flying, but some of the more magical powers took me out of it. Zachary Levi is Shazam for me now, but it looks like he’s wearing a muscle suit sometimes. I really dig the costume design, but I don’t know if he’s got the right muscle size to quite pull it off.

This is easily the best live-action DC movie in recent memory. It’s for sure my new personal favorite DC movie. There’s a lot of things to like in this movie, and I’m sure everyone will like something about it. The story is great and stuffed with humor and emotional moments. The cast, even the more secondary characters all give a great performance. There are a few problems that I have, and I can see some reasonable cases being made for a few others. But as a whole, Shazam! is a fun movie that hardcore comic fans, casual moviegoers, and adults and children will all enjoy.