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Jim Milton
Billy Batson (Angel) is a streetwise 14-year-old who can magically transform into an adult sized Superhero named SHAZAM! (Levi). His newfound powers are soon put to the test as he squares off against the evil Dr. Sivana (Strong). You are about to enter the DC Universe once again.
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Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer
Directed by: David F. Sandberg
Rating
Violence: Mild
Sex: Sensuality
Language: Mild
DC need a movie that would get their feet back under them after Justice League, and though I liked SHAZAM!, it was not a ball knocked out of the park. The superpower element here is magic, with very little back story to make any logical sense out of it. Mixing in a fair amount of humor into the script is good as too many DC flicks are a bit too dark and grim. Levi plays his part with childlike glee and panache and is a joy to watch on the screen. Though I felt the opening was a bit slowly paced, the rest of the film moved along nicely. The film reminded me of Tom Hanks in Big, but instead of just being a grownup, the kid becomes a childlike version of Superman (who makes a subtle cameo at the end). Will there be more sequels to SHAZAM!? My Magic 8-Ball says, “Most likely”.
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There is great use of WCG and the DV version looks fabulous. Primary colors really pop and zing on the screen. Sound is clear and exceptionally active during the fight sequences. The CGI is remarkably good, too. This film was shot in 3.4K with an Arri Alexa camera and it exhibits strong contrast and wonderful detail. I love the detail in SHAZAM!’s suit.
There are more than 90 minutes of extras, including: A motion comic called Superhero Hooky, Alternate opening and ending, deleted scenes, GAG reel, audition footage, On Set with Zachary Levi and SHAZAM!’s backstory. A BD copy is also included.