The first Shazam! reactions are calling it another win for DC
The first round of Shazam! reactions are here, and it’s being heralded as not only another superhero triumph for DC, but a unique, family-oriented story that captures the spirit of the comic book and makes the most of star Zachary Levi’s inherently boyish charm. While the Warner Bros. shared universe has had more than its share of missteps, including Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, movies like Wonder Woman and last year’s Aquaman have signaled that the DCEU has some serious potential, Shazam! is tapping into it big time.
Here’s just some of the praise being heaped onto the superhero flick, which opens next month in theaters everywhere.
I’ve seen #Shazam. I LOVED Shazam. It’s an absolute blast, very much carried by a strong cast of kid actors and an awesome performance from @ZacharyLevi. There’s so much heart and humor in this film — not to mention a positive message and great twists. It’s a needed burst of joy
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) March 8, 2019
#Shazam is another gigantic win for DC following #Aquaman and #WonderWoman and is just so different from both of them. I love it.
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) March 8, 2019
There are so many hilarious and absolutely clever moments in #Shazam that I lost track. There’s no other superhero movie like this in existence. You never feel been-there-done-that with this one, even if some of it falls into the realm of stereotypical character tropes. @joblocom
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) March 8, 2019
Finally allowed to say that #Shazam was fantastic! Full of heart and pure childhood wish fulfillment. It’s funny and the tone is exactly right. @zacharylevi is perfect in the role, and so is @asherangel, who I’m convinced is @maisie_williams‘ brother! pic.twitter.com/DXhp2ZBteR
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) 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 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 was damn near PERFECT in my book. My FAVORITE DC movie (DCEU? What are we saying now?) by far. Pure of heart, incredibly funny, full of in-jokes and references. Brought me a childlike joy to watch. This role was MADE for @ZacharyLevi… & Jack & Asher & the entire cast pic.twitter.com/rVrxjcwvCe
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) March 8, 2019
Zachary Levi was born to play #Shazam He delivers lots of laughs alongside co-star Jack Dylan Grazer. The film packs some big surprises for comics buffs and offers enough mainstream appeal to win over new fans. Shazam’s strengths definitely outweigh its weaknesses. pic.twitter.com/kfFMW01jfO
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) March 8, 2019
#Shazam sometimes feels like if Joe Dante or Robert Zemeckis made a superhero movie in 1985. It’s a family movie, but the villain and the magical stuff is just scary enough to give it that edge, and it never swings too far in either direction.
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) March 8, 2019
#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
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The cast includes Asher Angel (Andi Mack) as Billy Batson, Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy) as The Wizard, and Mark Strong (Kingsman) in the role of Super-Villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. The film also stars Jack Dylan Grazer (IT) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy, part of the foster family that includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (Annabelle: Creation); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (This is Us); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (Fresh Off the Boat); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (Hawaii Five-0). Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead) and Marta Milans (Killer Women) play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez.
David F. Sandberg is directing for New Line Cinema. The Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation director will step behind the camera with Peter Safran producing. Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke wrote the script for Shazam!
Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, Shazam first appeared in Fawcett Comics’ Whiz Comics #2. By saying the word “Shazam,” teenager Billy Batson was transformed into the “world’s mightiest mortal” and given extraordinary abilities by ancient gods.
Shazam! will debut in theaters on April 5.
