Shazam! Review

On April 5th, the newest installment from the DCEU premiered and added a much needed twist to the tone of the Warner Bros. movies. Shazam! follows a 15 year old kid named Billy Batson who is adopted by a new family, but struggles to connect with them on a deeper level. On the way home, he is suddenly transported to a mysterious place and meets an old wizard who goes by the name "Shazam." Billy is then given powers to become an adult superhero whenever he says the word "Shazam!"

Zachary Levi, who plays the adult superhero Shazam, was able to portray an actual 15-year old kid who struggles to use his powers for the good of others. He brings a different charm than other superheroes who, for some reason, always have to be serious. The supporting cast, including Billy's family, help to add to the atmosphere that Levi builds and to the lesson the protagonist learns throughout the film.

There is a comedic tone throughout the movie, something that hasn’t been done in other DC movies. Newcomers can watch this without having to learn anything about the superhero. DC was able to bring the original story from the comics and help make it fit today's modern standard. Other movies in the DCEU are so dark and don’t have enough comedy like marvel movies. This movie helped to change that attitude. Though it is still a superhero film and there are moments of peril For example, when Dr. Sivana embraces sin in the pursuit of power. But, for the most part, there are many unexpected laughs.

It brings up a topic that we haven't seen in a superhero movie yet: living with an adopted family. Billy struggles to live with the people who adopted him. But over time he is able to open up and share his feeling. Other superhero movies usually don't go into depth on the importance of family members.

Overall, Shazam! is a heartwarming story that helped me understand why people liked the hero. Warner Bros. has a sequel planned, but it will be a few years before we see if they can keep the quality and tone of Shazam!

9/10