First Reactions To "Shazam!" Suggests A Triumph For DC

It’s a good time for superhero films. Captain Marvel is in theaters now, killing it at the box office. Aquaman is currently finishing up its blockbuster theatrical run. In just about a month both Avengers: Endgame and Shazam! will be coming out. A few days ago, Shazam! debuted a brand new Trailer, as Warner Bros. and DC hype up their high profile April release. This is wha we wrote, in part: “While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has more or less chugged along with success after success, the same has not been the case for the DC Cinematic Universe. In fact, it’s largely been considered a misfire. As DC and Warner Bros. attempt to course correct, they’re worrying less about connecting their films and more about making fun ones. To that end, Shazam! looks to be their first near comedy.” Well, some of my colleagues have seen the film, and it’s apparently top notch. We’ll show you some reactions to the flick next, but first…a refresher.

The movie is a superhero origin story, as you might have guessed. The rather simple description from IMDb goes like this: “We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word – SHAZAM! – this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult superhero Shazam.” Billy (Asher Angel) just has to say the magic word and he turns into Shazam (Zachary Levi). However, he has no clue how to use his newfound powers. Comedic discoveries ensue, aided by his friend Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer). He’ll have to get it together quickly though, as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) looms as a super villain challenge to the hero. David F. Sandberg directs a script by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke. Maxime Alexandre provides the cinematography, while the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch. The supporting cast for this one includes Adam Brody, D.J. Cotrona, Meagan Good, Djimon Hounsou, and many more.

Here are some of the first reactions to Shazam! from a few nights ago:

#Shazam is big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before. Definitely in the vein of Tom Hanks' BIG, but with superhero action & lots of Batman and Superman references. I dug this film so much I wanted to give it a bear hug at the end. DC's movies keep getting better pic.twitter.com/WQJgo61gMg

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is an absolute delight! Super vibrant, tons of heart & a great fun-loving vibe. The family element is a big charmer & so is the humor that comes with watching @ZacharyLevi explore his new powers. Said this after IT but it's worth repeating – @Jgrazerofficial is a star.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is parts Home Alone, parts Big, a crowd pleasing family-friendly joy-filled wish-fulfillment superhero film which gets a bit over the top and cheesy at times. It’s fun and funny, and I was surprised at how much it wears it’s heart on its sleeve.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is a super-powered BIG & I LOVED every second of it. A colorful, vibrant, vital addition to the DCEU. Vivid character-driven action, heartrending central relationships & fully earned, totally satisfying emotional moments. Super hilarious. Super thrilling. Super awesome! pic.twitter.com/KelHZ5YzFq

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 8, 2019

Shazam! is another win for DC. Sure, the humor & action you'd expect from a superhero film are there, but #ShazamMovie stands out because of the emotional, family story at its center. I had some small issues with the hero/villain aspects but the family stuff is dynamic & powerful pic.twitter.com/FYM3QVp5hu

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) March 8, 2019

DC is finally building a solid run: #Shazam is a delight! Its familiar origin structure is forgivable because of all the new it brings to the table – primarily it's gleeful, childlike enthusiasm, & heartfelt perspective on family. It's also the role Zachary Levi was born to play. pic.twitter.com/5zXtfFDBGm

— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 8, 2019

loved #Shazam. It's super fun, very funny (a few times people were laughing so loud I missed dialogue), and exactly what they set out to make: 'Big' meets Superman. @ZacharyLevi is perfectly cast but the real surprise is @Jgrazerofficial as Freddy Freeman. Steals the show. pic.twitter.com/ssvs8Dwc2P

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) March 8, 2019

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