Review of Shazam! (2019) by Rebecca31 — 12 Apr 2019

Alright lads we are well overdue a good DC film, it's been too long, maybe some of you out there actually liked Batman v Superman or Justice League and all I can say to that is I don't understand it but whatever floats your boat. I haven't forgotten Wonder Woman, it had a lot going for it but I can't say it's a great film, it should have been but we can only hope that Wonder Woman 1984 will up the standard. Shazam on the other hand is a great, hilarious and heartfelt film that I never expected to be quite as good as it was. Who would have suspected a comedy would have brought DC out of its rut. No seriously, comedy isn't exactly DC's forte I mean the last time they tried too hard to be funny we got Suicide Squad and I think I speak for almost everyone here when I say we all wish we could erase that one from our memory. Well done DC for gifting us with a lighthearted superhero film that delivers on the action and the comedy. .

Fourteen year old Billy Batson (Asher Angel) becomes every kids dream when he suddenly acquires a vast range of superpowers by simply shouting the word SHAZAM, turning him into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi). Shazam is having a great time testing the limits of his new-found abilities with the help of his friend Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) but quickly realises he'll need to figure out his true potential if he has any hope of fighting his arch nemesis Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong). Pure fun, incredibly entertaining and very funny with more than a few laugh out loud moments. You can see the entire cast having a great time with this film, Levi's infectious and charismatic performance shines through and you can't help but enjoy yourself. Mark Strong may be typecast as a villain at this point and why shouldn't he be? He always plays a villain role to perfection. The chemistry is simply electric, DC normally chooses wisely with its casting and the same can be said for Shazam. It's a film suitable for all ages, you can just sit back and enjoy. Although a little on the long side, and would probably benefit from losing about ten minutes. If you need a Superhero fix before Endgame then Shazam should be your choice, highly recommended.