shazam review

Shazam is the 2019 DCEU starring Zachary Levi as the titular hero, and is the 2nd major superhero release of the year.

Zachary Levi - Shazam / amped illustration

Shazam follows a tough orphan Billy Batson in a new foster home. He is suddenly entrusted with powers of a near god as a defender and hero of the world, or more accurately the city of Philadelphia.

The film is decently shot though at times the CGI isn't super impressive and falters a bit but never too distracting.

The acting is very solid, with all of the cast being more than serviceable. Zachary Levi is a particular standout as the hero, as he nails being a kid in an adults body and constantly reminds you with his mannerisms and portrayal (not hokey dialogue or dumb gags.)

Shazam captures what it would feel like if a kid got super powers. It captures the joy and wonder that follows it perfectly.

It is filled with heart and fun (and no fun isn't just jokes, the kids do fun stuff and are clearly having a good time), and even though at heart it's a kids movie, there are alot of sad and dark things that happen. It's not cynical nor does the movie revel in it, the movie and it's protagonists power through it. I constantly found myself cheesing and smiling throughout the film.

The true stars of the family are the foster family members that take Billy in. They are warm and really do provide the heart that this movie centers itself around. Darla and Freddy freeman being strong standouts with the foster parents being great too. The only weak-points of the movie might be the villain, Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana. He is serviceable and his motivations are passable, and he plays off Billy well and serves as a decent foil, but he could have been better in regards to his backstory, he doesn't drag the film down but nor does he elevate it.

Shazam almost feels like if a Pixar movie or animated family film come to life ( and if you think about it like this, it takes an already very enjoyable movie and makes it even better). All in all, Shazam is a great superhero film and one of the stronger superhero films released in the last decade and feels distinctly different from the rest. I recommend it 10 times out of 10.

Final Score : 8.3/10