SHAZAM! REVIEW (NO SPOILERS): I had the chance to catch a preview screening of one of my most anticipated films of the year, Shazam, and all I can say is that it’s the ultimate wish-fulfilment escapade! I’m sure as a kid all of us dreamed of being a superhero – I definitely still daydream about it from time to time! I was smiling from ear to ear throughout the film like a giddy little school kid watching his favourite Saturday morning superhero cartoons! Director David Sandberg successfully emboldens the fun-loving tone of Shazam while also infusing cheeky world-building elements using other DC Comics character references.
A large part of that fun stems from Zachary Levi’s standout performance as Shazam; his onscreen embodiment of a kid-turned-adult superhero is humourously believable thanks to the astronomical level of enthusiasm he brings to the film. Jack Dylan Grazer as Billy Batson’s best friend/mentor is also a lovable character and surprisingly manages to match Levi’s exhilaration onscreen – even stealing the spotlight in a couple of scenes too! I only have a minor gripe with Asher Angel’s performance as young Billy Batson. While Asher manages to channel an astonishing amount of maturity in his role, especially during emotional scenes, I feel his overall energy levels never quite matches up to the raw enthusiasm that his adult version portrays when he turns into Shazam.
At the heart of this film is the central theme about learning to define who your family is and why true strength and happiness comes from sharing them with your loved ones. It’s a resounding and gratifying plot point that will occasionally pull at your heart strings among the vast chuckles you’ll no doubt let out during your viewing. Ultimately, Shazam’s a wholly satisfying superhero romp that’s poised to be the strongest solo superhero outing of the year!
Titan Passions 