[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”14030″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]So I have come full circle. My very first post on this site back in July of last year was about Shazam! and my initial misgivings about Zachary Levi as the titular character. I said then that once I understood the premise under which they were working, I could see the casting. Fast forward eight months (time goes fast in posting time) and I went to see the early Fandango premier of Shazam! given the opportunity. Since the film does not hit all the theaters until April 5th, I will refrain from ruining the major plot and surprises for those of you who haven’t yet seen the film. Seems only fair. I will however be discussing performances and how it might square up with the “traditionalist” idea of the original Captain Marvel, Shazam! So let’s get to it.
First off, just like in Captain Marvel, it starts with a bit of character explanation. In this case about the history of Dr. Sivana. So in other words, it could be perceived by some to start out slow. No worries, it picks up the pace quickly. Once we learn about what made Sivana the way he was, which hopefully I won’t be spoiling too much by saying it wasn’t initially his fault. Bad parenting will mess you up. Which brings us to Billy Batson.
Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer did a great job as Billy Batson and Freddy Freeman. I have to be honest, Freddy reminds me of a young me. So full of comic-book knowledge and willing to share it with people who apparently don’t appreciate our wisdom. What’s UP with that? He also speaks at times about 100 mph, again…this kid could be me. I STILL sometimes talk at hyper speed…if only I could type as fast as I talk.
The foster home that young Billy goes to is so full of love and acceptance as ran by Victor (Cooper Andrews) and Rosa (Marta Milans) Vasquez I almost wish I had lived there. They showed patience with Billy and allowed him his space since he had still not gotten over his separation from his mother. This is manifested in his multiple escapes from previous foster homes. As I said, bad parenting, even if for good intentions, will mess you up.
So let’s talk Villains. Mark Strong was his usual strong self and was a great counter point to the humor, especially between Levi and Jack Dylan Glazer. He seethed a sinister cool. The comicbook Dr. Sivana WISHES he looked as good. It also was apparent that bad guys have much better trainers as Sivana didn’t have near the issues using his powers. That didn’t seem fair.
Getting back to Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Glazer, their chemistry was fun to watch. Levi had described the situation as basically Big with superheroes and he was accurate. Watching Levi dealing with just the difference in body size, height, hand size, was well done. His exuberance in discovering what he can and can’t do along with Freddy’s excitement for each discovery is just what it should be: FUN! I have always been a Zachary Levi fan, and Shazam! reminds me why.
So how does Shazam! measure up to the original tale of Captain Marv…I mean, Shazam!? Pretty darn well if you keep in mind this is Shazam! with Billy’s persona still in charge as opposed to the separate entity that he was sometimes portrayed as. This in fact lines up more with the new 52 version of Shazam! In fact, if you went to the Fandango early showing and downloaded the two comics offered, you will get some insight into the family dynamics of the “Marvel” family and perhaps…a heads up on who the mid-credit’s villain will be. (Comic Spoiler). Speaking of post credit scenes…there is a mid-credit (Sequel teaser) and a end of credit scene: Nod to Another of DC’s successful films.
Final Thoughts: There is a lot more to say and will be said after everyone is given a chance to see the film. But for now, if you get the opportunity, go see this film. It tells the story with a large supply of wit, family and FUN! And that’s what a Comicbook film should do. Well done DC…well done.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
