"DC Films" can be a hit or miss, but this is definitely a massive hit. This film doesn't even have to try to entertain and excite audiences, because it's so natural. Its eloquent embrace of fun and excitement deem this film worthy of multiple viewings. You can't get enough, you will be wanting more even after the credits start rolling.
Director David Sandberg is a comic genius. The film is practically a comedy. "DC Films" don't usually have the signature style of comedy that "Marvel" has. If the studio had this kind of approach at trying to establish their own brand of comedy with films prior to this, their films wouldn't have been both a box office flop or another dull entry for DC.
With solo superhero films on the rise, the lead actors cast as the hero are filling big shoes of iconic characters. This film is no different. Lead Zachary Levi lives up to the name of this iconic character in one of his best performances and not only that, but one of the most enjoyable in that of a DC film.
Alongside Levi, are "IT" star Jack Dylan-Grazer, Mark Strong "Kingsman" and Disney Channel's Asher Angel. The two teen actors blend right into this film with heart and comedy. Mark Strong is menacing in this film as the villain. He adds a more dark tone to the film.
Scoring the film, is Benjamin Wallfisch. Wallfisch makes the film just as enjoyable as the film itself. With it being an action film, this score blends right into it, while being a fast paced and lively compilation of a score.
The film not only has genuine hilarity, but it also has killer action sequences, which mainly involves the title character. The action in the film also blends right into the comedic aspects of this film. This film is also got a sense of heart at the helm. The heart of the film is the actors and the chemistry they have while on-screen. Grazer and Levi have an impeccable sense of it.
Solo superhero films have recently become all the rave. With this film adding to the mix, there's no telling what can and cannot be classified as a solo superhero film. There's no end insight to the solo superhero film craze and it won't die down anytime soon, because this buddy-buddy action film is one to see.
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| Photo Courtesy of DC Films |
Rate: A
Director: David F. Sandberg
Starring: Zachary Levi, Jack Dylan-Grazer, Asher Angel and Mark Strong
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material)
Runtime; 2 Hours & 12 Minutes
Synopsis: 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. 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 joyful recklessness of a child. But he'll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).
