Over the past three years, DC and Warner Bros. have attempted to play catch up to Disney and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. DC attempted their extended universe by churning out superhero blockbusters like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Suicide Squad but these films never gained the same success with fans as the MCU did with theirs. They were never able to replicate the character and nostalgia that films past, Superman, Batman, and The Dark Knight had done right.
Things began to change in 2017 when Patty Jenkins brought life back into DC with the release of a Wonder Woman. The film went on to catapult Diana Prince into the forefront of DC characters. A critical and commercial success, Wonder Woman made fans more optimistic and enthusiastic for DC films. While Justice League followed and failed to live up to the momentum created by Diana Prince’s film, DC would find a new formula for success.
Moving away from building a universe and creating self-contained films has become DC’s motto as Aquaman showed the masses that DC was on the upswing. This brings us to today, where Shazam! not only continues the success of DC’s new formula but reaffirmed the idea in fans that DC is making a comeback.
Not knowing much about the character, I went into this film with a fresh set of eyes and boy did I love what I saw. I sensed that director David F. Sandberg intended on creating a light-hearted, family-friendly film that triggered a new audience for DC films that went away after the catastrophe of the Snyderverse. It feels like a lifetime ago when Ben Affleck asked Henry Cavill if he bled in Batman v Superman. While the film does not shy away from letting viewers know that while this story is self-contained, the characters in the previous movies do exist in the film. It does it in a very subtle but effective way including how Freddy owns a replica Batarang and a bullet that bounced off of Superman.
While Sandberg doesn’t reinvent the wheel in Shazam!, it does come off as a film that DC desperately needed. A movie that felt different than anything they or their “competition” has recently done. Shazam! feels more like a superhero coming of age story. Billy Batson’s adventures throughout the film feel more reminiscent of Big or The Goonies than an Avengers movie. The film also knows how to poke fun at itself. Its finale takes the formulaic comic book climax and spins it into a satirical end that should make the audience wonder, “you know what, how have I never thought of that.”
My favorite aspect of the film is the family dynamic. Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Faithe Herman, Grace Fulton, Ian Chen, and Jovan Armand all bring the sense of togetherness that aid to the underlying message of acceptance. From Faithe’s Darla and Billy creating a brother/sister pact to Billy and Freddy bonding over chips and soda, there are plenty of moments reminiscent to those in The Goonies that aid in rooting for these kids to succeed not just alone but together as a family.
The other side of Billy Batson is the film’s standout. To my fault, I’ve not seen much of Zachary Levi’s work. However, I was told before the movie, that he is perfect for the role. Boy, were they right! As the titular character, Levi never has to feel like a big, tough hero. His strength in the film is his ever growing young minded portrayal that leaves no shortage of comedy and childlike glee. The scenes of Levi’s Billy discovering what his powers are with Queen in the backdrop are some of my favorite moments in film this year.
Shazam! is not only a film DC needed but a film that may create new fans of the genre. I think back to the first time I watched Batman in 1989, and the feelings I had way back when that created the very fan writing this piece right now. That same feeling can be brought to youngsters watching this film. It’s a celebration of youth. The sense attained when reading their first superhero comic, playing with their first action figures, or throwing a blanket over your shoulder while casting your best friend as the evil, sinister villain were all on display. It’s not a film I asked for, but indeed a movie I am thrilled exists.
