"Shazam" Review
(9/10)
Shazam! is DC's most joyful and sweet movie yet! A funny yet earnest coming-of-age story about a boy who learns that, well, with great power comes great responsibility. And also rethinks what having a family is really meant for. Shazam's carefree mood as a child, is to just have fun despite having to inevitably grow up and confront some very adult concerns along the way. Namely, how streetwise orphan Billy Batson must accept responsibility for his behavior if he's going to prove truly worthy of the magical gifts bestowed upon him. Billy is a flawed character who screws up, but it's in watching him learn from his mistakes that we grow to legitimately care about him. The film largely avoids the maudlin and manipulative when it comes to this story of a 14-year-old boy seeking answers, his way in the world, and finding the true meaning of home among a misfit foster family. The movie nicely provides a rarely seen positive depiction of foster care, as the most recent family to take Billy in are legitimately good people who truly want the best for him. But none of it would matter if the center of the movie, its key performer, was weak; thankfully, that isn't the case here. Zachary Levi is perfect as Shazam. He's hilarious, heartwarming and completely believable as a 14-year-old boy trapped in a muscle-bound superhero's body, excelling in both the action scenes as well as in the more vulnerable moments. This isn't an action movie per se but a coming-of-age comedy with some action in it. There are some very funny, very knowing superhero moments to be had. These are the scenes where the movie shines brightest, poking fun at all the superhero movie tropes even if nothing much of consequence happens. But once Billy/Shazam realizes he can use his powers for more than just cheap tricks, his true hero's journey begins.
Shazam! is DC's most joyful and sweet movie yet! A funny yet earnest coming-of-age story about a boy who learns that, well, with great power comes great responsibility. And also rethinks what having a family is really meant for. Shazam's carefree mood as a child, is to just have fun despite having to inevitably grow up and confront some very adult concerns along the way. Namely, how streetwise orphan Billy Batson must accept responsibility for his behavior if he's going to prove truly worthy of the magical gifts bestowed upon him. Billy is a flawed character who screws up, but it's in watching him learn from his mistakes that we grow to legitimately care about him. The film largely avoids the maudlin and manipulative when it comes to this story of a 14-year-old boy seeking answers, his way in the world, and finding the true meaning of home among a misfit foster family. The movie nicely provides a rarely seen positive depiction of foster care, as the most recent family to take Billy in are legitimately good people who truly want the best for him. But none of it would matter if the center of the movie, its key performer, was weak; thankfully, that isn't the case here. Zachary Levi is perfect as Shazam. He's hilarious, heartwarming and completely believable as a 14-year-old boy trapped in a muscle-bound superhero's body, excelling in both the action scenes as well as in the more vulnerable moments. This isn't an action movie per se but a coming-of-age comedy with some action in it. There are some very funny, very knowing superhero moments to be had. These are the scenes where the movie shines brightest, poking fun at all the superhero movie tropes even if nothing much of consequence happens. But once Billy/Shazam realizes he can use his powers for more than just cheap tricks, his true hero's journey begins.