Directed by David F. Sandberg

Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel

Rated PG-13  for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material 

Everyone at one point in their lives wanted to be a superhero. When I was a kid, I always imagined being a superhero saving the day. Shazam is a film that asks the question, what if a regular kid had superpowers? Would he use them for the greater good or play around with them for fun?

Shazam is the newest DC Comics installment in which 14 year old Billy Batson (played by Asher Angel) is an orphan who is given superpowers when shouting the phrase, “Shazam!”. When shouting this phrase, 14 year old Batson is suddenly transformed into a a grown adult with superpowers (played by Zachary Levi) . But Batson is not the only person with this type of power. Dr. Sivana (played by Mark Strong) has the power to summon the seven deadly sins but is also seeking the powers that Shazam has.

Shazam is a superhero film but it is actually a family film. Batson is trying to find his mother and is placed in a foster family. Batson feels left out in his foster family and the film asks the question, how does it feel to be left out? This is also something that the villain, Dr. Sivana also faces within his own family. The family arc in the film is very heartfelt and warming, and at time emotional as each character is likable. Batson is in a foster home along with other foster children with distinct personalities. Darla is one of the foster sibling and is played very well as lovable little sister.

But when we are not focusing on the family, we see how Batson deals with his new powers. At first, Batson does not use his powers for good but for entertainment. This is something we would all do if we all had newfound powers, well at least I would do. Levi who plays Shazam brings fun and excitement when he is on the screen. His humor is what makes this film worth watching. Shazam is accompanied by his foster brother, Freddie (played by Jack Dylan Grazer). Freddie is a comic book nerd who points out what the superhero has to go through. Shazam/Billy Batson and Freddie do have good chemistry when on screen. At one point in the film. Freddie refers Billy as his best friend and I can see the two characters best friends. But the true standout is the evil Dr Sivana.

Early in the film, we see why Dr Sivana has the motivations he has. When he was a young boy, Sivana was bullied by his brother and father and eventually causes a rift between them. He wants the powers Shazam as it something he has been seeking all his life and eventually has the demons of the seven deadly sins inside him . Dr. Sivana is not your regular villain, he is a villain who is willing to kill children and throws innocent people out of a building. He is a good villain who has a tragic backstory, so there is some reasoning on why he does what he does. But in the end, it does not justify the actions he does. The kills and the demons that represent the seven deadly sins are a bit dark for a lighthearted film.

The third act with consists of Shazam and Dr Sivana battling in at a carnival and in the city. Shazam is helped with his foster siblings in a fun little twist. Although some of the CGI is not believable. I know in a superhero film there will be CGI used heavily but there are some moments that you can tell the CGI is not done well. Fortunately this is something that is not major nor does it bring the film down.

Shazam is fun, exciting, and heartwarming. I highly recommend this film, especially if you are a comic book enthusiast. The villain is memorable and the overall theme is something we can all relate to. There is enjoyment and humor to be had, in the end you will be shouting, “Shazam!”.

3.5/4