Hi everyone!
So, I know everyone and their siblings have already reviewed today’s film, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to lay down my own thoughts. Once I caught my breath from laughing so much. I’ll get to that in a little bit, but be sure to check out my review for “Aquaman” (Episode #366), which kicked off season two here at One Movie Punch. And once you’re done with that, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, and follow us on social media. Details in the closing.
Shazam! I mean... Enjoy!
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Today’s movie is “Shazam!” (2019), the latest entry into the DC Extended Universe, directed by David F. Sandberg and written for the screen by Henry Gayden based on a story developed in collaboration with Darren Lemke. The film follows Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a teenage foster child seeking his lost biological mother. However, after escaping some bullies by ducking into a subway car, he’s given an ancient power that transforms him into Shazam (Zachary Levi).
No spoilers!
I can’t tell you how glad I am that the DC Extended Universe is finally getting their stuff together. The franchise has had its share of stumbles, including a lukewarm reception for “Man of Steel”, followed by two stinkers in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Martha”... I mean “Dawn of Justice”... and “Suicide Squad”. “Wonder Woman” was a refreshing entry, breathing new life into the franchise, even as “Justice League” seemed to crash and burn with most people. Personally, I liked it a lot. “Aquaman” was a fun, if somewhat cluttered entry.
And now, we have “Shazam!”, which is the funniest and perhaps the first genuinely heartwarming entry. “Shazam!” seemed like an odd choice since we’re missing standalone films from some other Justice League members, not to mention that the character’s original name under Fawcett Comics which was – let me check my notes here – Captain Marvel. It’s a fun story about copyrights if you have the time to search Wikipedia. Nevertheless, I’m glad we have “Shazam!”, because it gives me a great deal of confidence in the future of the shared universe, should the powers that be decide that’s the way to go.
In many ways, “Shazam!” seems like another re-introduction by the DC Extended Universe, a straight-ahead origin story set in Philadelphia, away from the larger cities of Gotham and Metropolis, and away from the vast kingdoms of Themyscira and Atlantis. We get our first street-level superhero origin story, picking and choosing amongst the various versions of Billy Batson. Asher Angel and Zachary Levi do an excellent job complimenting each other’s performances in their dual forms as Billy and Shazam, not just having similar mannerisms, but keeping the same level of emotion between transformations. The comedy mostly feels natural, certainly more natural and genuine than the hastily inserted comedy of “Justice League” and the somewhat forced comedy within “Aquaman”. One could say that “Shazam!” does with comedy what “Wonder Woman” does with epic heroism.
However, the film also has some very dark parts, earning a PG-13 rating with some pretty terrifying scenes, both fantastic and realistic. Certainly a lot darker than the trailers had us believe. I don’t think there’s anything to merit the minor hysteria from some corners of the Internet, but I flinched more than once. The monster design for each of the Seven Deadly Sins was incredible, but also potentially nightmare inducing, particularly with all the straight-up murder. The darker elements do help accentuate the comedy, though, particularly the comic relief. It’s scary, but a good kind of scary, one that any thirteen year old should be able to handle.
I have a few criticisms, echoed by many other reviewers. Almost all the comedy elements are well done, which makes the few that do feel forced stick out like sore thumbs, and sometimes overstay their welcome. The story could have been streamlined a little more, perhaps saving his quest to find his mother for another film. The continuity bits are well done when they are subtle, like the superhero paraphernalia and toys, but also left a lot to be desired in terms of building towards another team-up film. All of these criticisms, however, pale in comparison to how well done the rest of the film is, and the promise of other films within its own franchise. Maybe bring in someone to team-up for a bit next time?
“Shazam!” is easily the funniest entry into the DC Extended Universe, a well-crafted re-imagining of Billy Batson. Where the other films are soaked within their character’s extensive backstories, “Shazam!” gives us a straight-ahead, wonderous, and heartwarming origin story. Fans of superhero films, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh, should definitely check out this film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%(CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 71
One Movie Punch: 8.5/10
“Shazam!” (2019) is rated PG-13and is currently playing intheaters.
