Not be confused with a particular mobile music app, DC’s Shazam! is a superhero fantasy that dazzles and astounds with an electric heart.
Meet 14-year-old Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a troubled foster kid who moves into a loving new home. One day, he happens upon a sacred curse that allows him to transform into a grownup superhero named Shazam (played by Zachary Levi). From there, he begins to test his powers by fighting crime and saving citizens in between freshman classes. Of course, a story like this needs a villain, and that comes in the form of the vengeful Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).
This is the type of film that you watch with a big smile on your face. It’s fun, it’s charming, and it’s genuinely touching. It’s essentially a family amusement park ride with warping imagination. It definitely revels in the fantastical elements — there’s wizards, gargoyle-like creatures, and magic portals. Things can get a little too Power Ranger-y at times, and the film doesn’t totally differentiate itself from other current comic book flicks, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for with a great sense of humor and exuberant bursts of earnest wonderment and warmth. The setting even takes place during Christmas time and it lights up with a lot of holiday spirit. You could practically say it’s a superhero Christmas film. Think - A Christmas Story mixed with Justice League.
Admirably, at this adventure spectacle’s glowing core is a sweet story of family, friendship, belonging, and sticking up for yourself and others. Shazam!
( 7.5/10 )
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