If you are a true DC fan, you would have come across this word: SHAZAM!! Yes, an alternative version of Captain Marvel named “Shazam” has its own movie and I would say that the movie was just as dazzling as Captain Marvel movie. For those who do not recognize either of the 2 superheroes mentioned, just think of Shazam as an alternate version of Superman.
Storyline
This movie revolved around a 14-year-old kid named Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who was abandoned by his parents since young. Despite being an orphan, he had not given up hope in searching for his birth mother. In the meantime, He was adopted by Victor (Cooper Andrews) and Rosa Vasquez (Marta Milans) whom they have also adopted 5 other foster children: Mary Bromfield (Grace Fulton), Darla Dudley (Faithe Herman), Eugene Choi (Ian Chen), Pedro Pena (Jovan Armand) and Frederick “Freddy” Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer).
On the other hand, Thaddeus Sivana ( Mark Strong) was an outcast by his wealthy family after causing a car accident many years ago which crippled his father (John Glover). That fateful car accident happened after he was transported to a magical temple, named “Rock of Eternity”, where he met the ancient wizard Shazam. The old Shazam has been trying to find a new champion who is “pure at heart”. He put young Thaddeus (Ethan Pugiotto) to test by having a team of evil spirits named “Seven Deadly Sins” – Pride, Envy, Greed, Lust, Wrath, Gluttony, and Sloth attempting to lure him to free them in exchange for great power and command over the team. Unfortunately, he failed the test and was transported back to the car, just moments before the car accident. Ever since then, Sivana was determined to find a way to return to that temple to get the power. After years of research and testing, he discovered a way to return to the temple, defeat Shazam and gained the power and command of the evil spirits. A powerful villain was created.
Back to Billy where he and Freddy attended the same school and class, Freddy encountered 2 big bullies and Bill decided to save his foster brother. This led to a chase by the bullies and Billy found himself inside a subway. Just then, he was transported to the Rock of Eternity and faced the wizard Shazam. This time, Shazam selected Billy to be the successor of Shazam as the new champion. Upon calling the name Shazam, Billy transformed into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi) and the wizard vanished into thin air. He headed home afterward and began to explore his newfound powers along with Freddy. Freddy upload videos of Billy’s experiments into Youtube which went viral and got the attention of Dr. Sivana. Thus, Thaddeus set off to find Billy and eliminate him. How will it turn out in the end? Will Billy be able to find his biological mother? Find out the answer when you go watch the movie.
Overall, the storyline is very interesting to watch where the kids take the center stage as the main superhero of this movie. It was a new experience for me to see an immature superhero saving the world as compared to superheroes such as Superman and Batman doing the job. The movie also offers several comedy bits between Billy and Freddy, especially the discovery of Shazam’s hidden powers, reminding the audience that Billy was still a 14-year-old kid despite having the body of an adult. It is hard to imagine Shazam joining the Justice League team in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but I wouldn’t mind Shazam appear in those movies as part of a special cameo.
Character Development
From a rebellious and irresponsible kid to a superhero who held the fate of the world, Billy has gone through major changes in terms of his character. It wasn’t easy for Billy at the beginning who came from a broken family and was abandoned by his mother at a young age. He was always actively searching for his long lost mother and hoped for a family reunion one day. After he became Shazam, he began to understand the responsibility that was weighing on him as he possessed those great powers. He faced many setbacks throughout the movie as he felt it was too much for a young kid like him to handle. This movie addressed topics such as family and puberty, which is relatable to teenagers as they began to transit into young adults. A great movie which is suitable for all ages.
Special Effects
A fun fact for everyone: “SHAZAM” is an acronym of six “immortal elders”: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury, who all possess superhuman strength, speed, flight, and other abilities. All of these individual superpowers wouldn’t have looked so awesome and cool without the help of the special effects team. Great work to the special effect team for making Shazam stunning as the rest of the Justice League team, e.g. Superman, Batman.
Memorable scene
My personal favorite moment in this movie would be the battle between Shazam and the Seven Deadly Sins. When the superhero was outnumbered, you would expect Shazam to be fired up and execute some kind of finishing moves. Well… honestly, the seven deadly sins were very tough competitors for Shazam, so it was impossible for Shazam to beat them all together. Just then, Shazam came out with a brilliant idea and turn the tables. It was really unexpected but if you actually read the comics of Shazam, it would be less surprising for you. Either way, I’m amazed by how the battle turned out in the end which is why this final battle scene was my personal favorite.
Movie Rating: 6.5/10 (New perspective of superhero movie which was interesting to watch. However, I could not take Shazam serious as a superhero but more for comedy relief. If you are not a DC fan, treat this movie as a comedy movie.)
Movie duration: 2 Hr 12 mins (There were 2 end credit scenes. (1 mid and 1 end credit))
#Shazam #DC
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