Shazam! [DVD] [2019]

A dc comics superhero movie. It stands alone from any others, so you have no requirement to have watched any other one in order to get into this.Shazam is a superhero who has been around for almost as long as Superman and Batman. And actually outsold the former at one point. He is actually called Captain Marvel, but since Marvel comics copyrighted that name first, DC can't use it on the big screen. The character's publishing history is well worth a google, for the full story.Shazam is Billy Batson, a teenager who just has to say the word in order to turn into him. And get all sorts of superpowers as a result.This is an adaptation based on the most recent comic book take on the character, which appeared as part of DC's 'new 52' range earlier this decade.Billy was separated from his mother when he was young, and never found her again. He has bounced from foster home to foster home ever since, but all he cares about is his quest to find her. Living in Philadelphia, he finds himself placed with a new foster family and their other kids, one of whom is Freddy Freeman [Asher Angel] a boy who walks with a crutch and knows all there is to know about superheroes.Which is handy for Billy, because as much as he'd like to get away from this and carry on his search, when he finds himself with the powers of Shazam, Freddy is the only one he can turn to for help and advice.Initially he discovers that with great power, you can indulge in great irresponsibility. But when he meets Dr. Sivana [Mark Strong] a man who has waited decades to get his hands on what Billy has, he has a supervillain to deal with. Can he learn how to be a superhero?Two words best describe Shazam. Fun. And heart. For it has both of those in abundance. It does take a while to get going, because it has set up to do. And this part of the film could do perhaps with being slightly shorter. But once Billy has the power, and Shazam appears [Zachary Levi], the fun really gets going. All thanks to the latters excellent ability at playing comedy, and also portraying superbly a young boy who suddenly finds himself grown up. That may sound like a certain other film. But it's not. Although it's clever enough to acknowledge that...What makes it as well is Billy and Freddy's chemistry, and Asher Angel really does some great work in his role, making him just as important a character.It does follow a standard origin style arc, and a standard heroic character journey as well. But you will be having too much fun to notice or care about that. You will care about these characters, and be punching the air at their triumphs.It does have a slightly overlong final act set piece as well. And it's a twelve certificate because of a very small handful of bits of mild bad language. Plus a few scenes involving monsters that might not be good for young children to watch. And it might put them off Santa as well. But that's that as far as criticisms go. You want fun rather than dark and gritty from things like this, then this delivers in spades. And it's a great watch. Well worth giving it a go.Do keep watching during the end credits for an extra scene in the middle of them. Which is important. And one at the very end. Which isn't important. But is fun.The first half of the end credits are brilliantly done as well, and hugely entertaining.The disc has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, Castilian Spanish.Subtitles: English, Castilian Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Norwegian, Swedish.The disc goes straight into the main menu once loaded with no ads or trailers.The only extra is 'The legacy of Shazam!' A featurette that looks, via Zachary Levi and some of the producers, at the origins of the character and the movie. This is a really good watch, and far too short at just five mins.

When very young Billy was abandoned by his mother and has since been in and out of foster homesnot really settling, as all he wanted was to find his mum again, however, now 14 years of age BillyBatson ( Asher Angel )is placed in foster care with 4 other children in a home run by Victor and Rosbut finds it difficult at first to settle in even though Freddy(Jack Dylan Grazer) a super-hero fanaticwho he shares a room with, does everything to make Billy feel welcome.At school trying to save Freddy from bullies, Billy is chased into a subway where to escape he jumpson a train.However, shortly into the journey, he is propelled into another dimension the Rock of Eternity wherehe is confronted by the last member of the council of wizards Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) who has searchedfor centuries to find a new champion who is pure of heart.Shazam challenges Billy to become the one.....Billy (Zachary Levi) suddenly turns into an older lookingperson in super-hero attire and back on the train.Back in 1974, another young man had been summoned young Thadeus Silvana who failed the test by beingtempted by the deadly sins entrapped in statues, since that time a now older Thadeus (Mark Strong)had searched for a way back to Rock of Eternity to steal the eye of sin giving him evil powers, he has now founda way.However, Thadeus even with the powers he now has, is told that there is one who when he has learnt how touse the power he's been given will be able to defeat him....Shazam (Billy)Well, Billy has much to learn about the powers he possesses but has learnt by saying Shazam he can turnhimself back to the 14-year-old, then back to the super-hero, though in both guises he is still thinking as a teenThadeus will try to prevent Billy from discovering his power, can Billy learn enough quickly enough to stopthe evil taking the power he's been given?This was overall a fun-ride with great use of CGI throughout, not sure why many dished the film whichhad in truth caused me to be apprehensive of what to expect.Though I must admit, wasn't sure about the multi transformations in the latter stages of the film, wouldhave settle for Billy as the one super-heroThe lead character was originally known as Captain Marvel, however, Marvel comics came up with thereown trademark version causing DC to retitle.Not sure if Shazam will integrate into a Justice League character in the fulness of time? ...have to wait and seeI guess.

Shazam! is a refreshing and delightful addition to the superhero genre. Unlike the often darker tone of many DC films, this movie embraces lightheartedness while delivering a story packed with action, humor, and emotional depth.Asher Angel and Zachary Levi perfectly portray Billy Batson and his superhero alter ego, Shazam. Levi’s comedic timing and childlike enthusiasm make every scene he’s in a joy to watch. The concept of a teenager suddenly having superpowers and navigating the adult world is both hilarious and heartfelt. The chemistry between the cast, particularly Billy and his foster brother Freddy (played by Jack Dylan Grazer), is genuine and adds emotional weight to the story.The villain, Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong), is menacing and well-acted, providing a solid contrast to the film’s lighter moments. The movie also explores themes of family and belonging, making it more than just an action-packed adventure.The special effects are impressive, and the climactic showdown is both thrilling and entertaining. The humor is spot-on without being overdone, and there are plenty of Easter eggs for comic book fans to enjoy.Shazam! is a film that appeals to all ages, blending the charm of classic family-friendly movies with the excitement of modern superhero flicks. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good, action-packed experience.