Just when the entire world is desperately waiting for “#Avengers: Endgame”, New Line Cinema and #WarnerBros present to us the seventh installment in the #DC Extended Universe (DCEU): #Shazam! Directed by David F. Sandberg, #Shazam is an American superhero film about Billy Batson (#AsherAngel), a teenager gifted with an ability to transform into an adult superhero (#ZacharyLevi) and his adventures with his newly-found superpowers (Many people must be unaware that Shazam’s original name was #CaptainMarvel).
Shazam is a story of a distressed orphan lad chosen as the Champion of Eternity by an ancient wizard Shazam (#DjimonHounsou). Billy is given extraordinary powers (by the wizard) which transform him into an adult with superpowers when he utters the name Shazam. The unique powers that Billy receives include the wisdom of Solomon, the phenomenal power of #Hercules, the exceptional stamina of Atlas, powers from Zeus, the increased valor of Achilles and the superhuman speed of Mercury.
Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (#MarkStrong) is the main villain of this film. During childhood, Sivana loses an opportunity given by the wizard Shazam to become the Champion of Eternity and protect the world from the onslaught of the seven vices, namely Pride, Envy, Greed, Lust, Wrath, Gluttony, and Sloth; which are personified as demons. These demons are trapped by the wizard, and he wants the Champion of Eternity to ensure that these demons are not let out in the world. Sivana finds his way back to the wizard’s den as an adult and frees the seven demons. These demons subsequently use the body of Sivana as their vessel and convert him into a negative superpower.
The only lad who knows about Billy’s secret is Fredrick Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). Fredrick, a paraplegic, is a superhero enthusiast and Billy’s best friend. The scenes involving Billy and Fredrick are the highlight of Shazam. The ways in which both of them decode the superpowers of Shazam are a treat to watch. In fact, Fredrick prepares a systematic checklist of all the superpowers possessed by Billy and even posts them on Youtube.
Rosa Vasquez (#MartaMilans) and her husband Victor Vasquez (#CooperAndrews) run a group home where they give shelter to orphaned or abandoned kids. Billy and Fredrick share the same room in this house. The other members of the house include Mary Bromfield (#GraceFulton), the eldest of the kids; Eugene Choi (#IanChen), an obsessive gaming enthusiast; Pedro Peña (#JovanArmand), an introverted guy; and Darla Dudley (#FaitheHerman), a lively and loquacious little girl.
What happens when Shazam faces his arch nemesis? Can a superhero with a heart of an adolescent fight off a stronger opponent? Does Shazam need the support of somebody else in his fight against Dr. Sivana? Can the seven deadly sins be vanquished from this world? The answers to all these questions form the crux of the movie.
The movie Shazam is full of beautiful moments garnished with a healthy dose of humor, wit, and satire. There is not a single dull moment in the entire movie. The editing of the film is crisp and the CGI graphics are worth appreciating. One of the best things about the screenplay of the movie is it doesn’t have any loose ends. Everything seems neatly interconnected at the end. The movie has an interesting twist at the climax.
All the actors and actresses in the film have done a fabulous job. You can relate with almost all the characters in the film. Although the movie doesn’t have the characteristic “WOW” moments like every other superhero film, it still tugs at your heart. Billy’s love for his mom, the friendship between Billy and Fredrick, the turmoil of Dr. Sivana and the bonding between the inmates of the Vasquez house is presented beautifully. Just before the credits roll, Shazam invites another close friend to have lunch with his foster brothers and sisters. That close friend will certainly bring a big, broad smile on your face!!
Our verdict:
Shazam is a movie with a heart. It is almost a well-cooked visual delicacy. The director has given enough screen time to almost all the characters. Moreover, all the characters have been sketched efficiently. Shazam is definitely worth watching in the theater. The kids will love it, and the adults will relate to it.
====================
Our Rating: 4.0/5.0
====================
Movie: Shazam!
Director: David F. Sandberg
Writers: Henry Gayden
Stars: Zachary Levi, Marta Milans, Michelle Borth
Genres: #Action | #Adventure | #Comedy | #Fantasy
Release Date: 5th April 2019
Run-time: 2:12 Hrs
Comments