Title: Shazam!
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: David F. Sandberg
Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel
Runtime: 2 hrs 12 mins

What It Is: Long ago one wizard named Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) absorbed all the powers some of the most powerful ancient heroes. The wisdom of Solomon; The strength of Hercules; The stamina of Atlas; The power of Zeus; The courage of Achilles; The speed of Mercury. When he needs a successor the wizard scours the world for someone pure of heart. When young Billy Batson (Angel) is bestowed this power he can, by saying the word SHAZAM! transform into a hero (Levi) like no other.

What We Think: I do believe DC and Warner Bros have crafted their first fantastic feature. It’s messages of family and not living life in isolation are well told and an overall great message to present. Asher Angel is good as the young Billy Batson. Jack Dylan Grazer though…is absolutely amazing. His sarcasm just works. Now let’s talk about the man himself… Zachry Levi. He was the perfect guy for the job here. That much is clear.

Our Grade: B+, So for every misstep that DC and Warner Bros. have taken with these properties this film made up for it. Mark Strong was great as the villain and the last third are a really good fist pump of a moment. I strongly recommend this one. What’s awesome is the whole family can enjoy it. None of the content here is life-changing but its messages of inclusion are something any good family can enjoy. Additionally, the film is hilarious. It says something that a hero like Shazam! can make money. If 2019 has taught us anything it’s that “superhero fatigue” is something that may not really exist and that haters need to back off just a bit.