One can always tell when the summer film season is approaching when we are offered yet another 'comic book movie' as I call them. And not only a film based on a comic, but the first one that is actually labeled a comedy--also an action-adventure, but an actual comedy called "Shazam!" Com'on, the title practically induces laughter, and laughing you'll be doing.
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson's (Asher Angel) case, by shouting out one word--SHAZAM!--this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Zachary Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou). Still a kid at heart==inside a ripped, godlike body--Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the help of his foster brother, Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). After honing his newfound powers, he is approached by a super villain, Dr. Thaddeus Sivanna (Mark Strong) who demands his superpowers so as to make him stronger--than he already is. Shazam has no idea who this doctor is, but he certainly finds out quickly. Will Shazam succumb to Dr. Sivanna's demands, or will he be able to battle his way out of this predicament?
Others to round out the cast are Grace Fulton as Mary Bromfield, Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez, Shazam's foster mom, Cooper Andrews as Victor Vasquez, Shazam's foster dad, Ian Chen as Eugene Choi, Faithe Herman as Darla Dudley, Ethan Pugliotti as Young Thad, Jovan Armand as Pedro Pena, Evan Marsh as Burke Breyer, Carson MacCormac as Brett Bryer and Caroline Palmer as Billy's mom.
This was effectively directed by David F. Sandberg ("Lights Out" '16, "Annabelle: Creation" '17) plus many shorts and TV. With only a couple of feature films to his credit, it is remarkable that this was paced and staged as well as it was. Also, the two films he did direct were both of the horror genre which is a switch considering the lightness of this. It certainly shows this filmmaker's ability to go beyond his comfort zone which I can surely respect. He should receive more work. It was cleverly written by Henry Gayden ("Earth to Echo" '14) plus TV and a short. This was interesting in the fact that once Billy turned into Shazam, he may be an incredibly muscled adult with amazing powers, but he was still that 14-year-old teenager with the typical mentality and persona given the age. It was like the film "Big" and "Superman" combined. There were a couple of places of choppiness and some continuity issues, however considering this writer has only one feature film under his belt, this screenplay soared. Since Gayden wrote "Earth to Echo", it's no surprise that he wrote this since both films have the same feel to them. If you like his brand of writing, his "Last Human" has been announced. Also, this definitely leaves us with a sequel in tow, so I would imagine that Gayden will probably write that as well. I know, a comic book movie with a sequel? What? Like this has never happened before. I must say that Levi as Shazam was a casting coup. He was amazingly believable in this role. And last but not least, the visual effects predominantly designed by MPC (Moving Picture Company), Mr. X and Digital Domain were absolutely seamless. Now, they were over-the-top, but I believe that was purposed because this was made in such a kid-like way.
If you're going to see this, it must be seen on the large screen, since a 50 incher would not do this justice. And if you go the multiplex, it's also offered in an IMAX version as well. The best thing I can say for this film, is that it is the quintessential popcorn flick, which has controversy, no real message, lots of humor and tons of escapism, and isn't this why we go to see some of the films we see?
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 132mins.
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