Finally, a DC movie which does not take itself as seriously as
the rest of them. A movie which totally embraces the comic roots and the
purpose of it all- entertainment. Shazam! is probably the most light hearted DC
movie with almost no gore and disturbing violence but still manages to be a fun
watch and enthrall the audience with heart-warming ideas of childhood and what
it means to be a hero when you’re not a mature adult with a brooding persona.
The story
The movie is about young teen Billy Batson who tries to find
his birth mother while running away from foster home to foster home. His search
is hopeless but he seems to be the only person who doesn’t seem to realise it.
The movie is also an origin story for the villain Dr. Sivana who undergoes the
same experience as Billy while being chosen as the next champion to inherit the
powers of Shazam. But gets rejected and does not take this rejection well, to
say the least. And also suffering a domineering brother and father who belittle
him at every chance they get, he does kinda turn out to be a pretty evil person.
Although it is regrettable that this story wasn’t used to its full potential
even though it could’ve been used as a great cliffhanger. Actually that’s the
only bother with the movie. It opens new horizons, introduces great characters
but does not let them develop which makes everything amalgamate into the
storyline rather prematurely. But that could also be viewed as the plot’s
intention of keeping it light and inducing humour.
The Characters
The film showcases numerous characters but builds mostly on
the pair of pubescent boys Billy Batson who inherits the powers of Shazam and
Freddy Freeman who is his crippled sidekick. The movie is also filled with
various other characters with less screen time but almost equal significance. The
much self-criticising foster parents who finally give Bill a place he can call
home, his birth-mother who wants to avoid Billy as much as she can and
abandoned him when he was a little kid, the foster home kids, each unique and interesting-
Darla, Mary, Eugene and Pedro. And also the typical British villain who seemed
to have a great start this time but could not grow into a memorable character.
The film does a great job of bringing all these charming characters together in
a touchy realisation of selflessness and family relations.
The Music
By Benjamin Wallfisch (Dunkirk and Blade Runner 2049), the music
dissolves well with the narrative but doesn’t stand out much. Except a few
songs which were supposed to grab attention and they do it well like Eye of the
Tiger, Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen and My Name Is by Eminem. There are others
too but all this gives the movie a sense of superficiality like a
trailer but on some level it works rather well.
The movie had some standard action scenes and enough entertaining
sequences to support the superhero extravagance. But what it really excelled at
was displaying the childishness of it all. It may be liked by some people, some
may find it senseless but either way, it’s unique. The movie doesn’t shy away
from making fun of itself like Deadpool but keeps it grounded given the
protagonist is still just a child. And a very regular child with powers. Shazam
does almost exactly what any other regular kid would do with powers. The movie
as a whole, keeps its own immaturity in mind and doesn’t mess with forces which
may disturb its rhythm. It even builds up to a twist ending in a certain manner
but it all is rather underwhelming in the end if you’re expecting too much from
it.
The Verdict
Shazam! is a movie about a kid who somehow becomes a full
grown superhero on the outside but cannot fight with its own childish nature. Shazam
is a DC movie far better suited for its younger fans than the grown up fan base.
Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable achievement for DC from its regular dark
dystopian worlds. Shazam is by far the most jolly and humorous DC movie ever. It is, for the most part, quite entertaining as well. And by entertainment, I mean just that. Do not watch this movie
seeking any sort of depth or you’ll be dissatisfied. The movie is about
ignoring the seriousness of life and embracing your inner carefree child and
enjoy the movie just like that. Shazam! is a very light summertime action
adventure for fans of the superhero genre. In my opinion, the
movie is worth a watch.
"Zachary Levi's been playing a superhero since Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Change my mind"
"The author was right on time for this movie. Although it was a very disconcerting experience due to"
