[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks to Fandango, fans got to see the latest entry into the DC film universe a few weeks early. I was one of those lucky fans and I must say I walked away from Shazam with so many emotions. I felt happiness, sadness, excitement and more. Sandberg has a done great bringing his own style to the DC franchise and it works. His blend of heartfelt moments with some slight horror tones plus the charisma of its leading cast, Asher, Levi, and Grazer, really make this a terrific film.
Speaking of the cast, Jack Dylan Grazer steals the show as Freddy Freeman. Grazer commands the screen with his humor and wit. Freeman is a kid who idolizes heroes like Batman and Superman and would give anything to be accepted. If you have ever dealt with being bullied or felt like an outcast then you will sympathize and relate to Freddy in a lot of ways.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18472″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Zachary Levi and Asher Angel shine as Billy Batson/Shazam. Asher as Billy is a kid just looking for his mom. He doesn’t need authority or help from anyone. Despite people around him trying to help him fit in and feel wanted he doesn’t want any of it. When he gains the power of Shazam and Levi takes over he plays Billy as someone who is finally happy and looks to Freddy for guidance. For once Billy is asking and wanting help. The moments shared between Billy and Freddy are for sure the highlights of the film.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14039″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The movie isn’t just an origin story about Shazam, this movie is very much an origin story about Mark Strong’s Sivana. The film has a theme and that’s one of wanting to be accepted. Sivana, Freddy, and Billy all have this in common. Mark Strong does a terrific job playing the villain and it was good to see him get his second chance after Green Lantern failed to impress moviegoers.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18475″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I am not going to get into spoilers or plot details right now cause I want everyone a chance to see the film. I will say the trailers do show quite a bit but there are some neat surprises and Easter eggs littered through out the film that will make fans happy.
Shazam has its own unique theme and tone that separates it from other DCEU film and really makes it feel like it’s own film. The seven deadly sins have an awesome horror element to them and while freaky looking they never come off quite as scary as the Trench people in Aquaman which I think will bode well for families. Shazam for sure comes off more of a family film than any other DC film and I think that has a lot going for it and will carry it well.
Shazam does build and help set up future films and there is even a nice tease of a super powered villain that many of us have been waiting to see. The CGI was spotty at times but that’s to be expected on a much lower budget.
Overall Shazam is an electrifying entry into the DCEU and it’s going to exceed on so many levels. Sandberg has caught lighting in a bottle (pun intended) and the future of DC is in good hands with him, Wan and Jenkins.
I give Shazam 4 out 5 Lightning Bolts!
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DC Fanboy! Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time. Favorite movies are Man of Steel, Goonies, Back To the Future
