By Joshua H. Stulman 

Shazam! is a fun filled family movie that entertains all the way through. The film is based on DC’s New 52 comic book re-imagining of the character with plenty of Easter eggs and nods to Shazam!’s comic history as the original Captain Marvel. 

The film’s plot centers on Dr. Sivana’s quest to obtain the power of the Wizard. He is persuaded by the Seven Deadly Sins to free them from captivity in exchange for the limited power to defeat the new chosen champion, Billy Batson as Shazam!

The opening to the film is a little dark to begin with but lightens up as Billy Batson begins to embrace his newfound abilities. The film is complete as a stand alone feature but there are enough references throughout the film to Batman and Superman to be grounded in the D.C. Extended Universe of films. 

As far as criticisms go, Shazam! will be thoroughly entertaining for new viewers and movie fans. While Shazam! has some unique abilities that set him apart from the average super hero, the story under utilizes powers like the Wisdom of Solomon, which is his most unique feature. Instead the story follows a generic Marvel style movie format that kinda mixes Spider-Man and Superman together. The third act and the finale battle scene with Dr. Sivana is lackluster and generic. The writers missed a unique opportunity to explore the different and separate personalities of the Seven Deadly Sins. These are perhaps the most interesting aspects of Shazam! that were scrapped in favor of generic monsters. Sivana’s characterization as a super powered villain is out of touch with his mad genius origins. Also the introduction of the Marvel Family was forced and unnecessary. 

While Shazam! was a purposeful departure from the original character there were a ton of Easter egg moments that gave nods to the character’s history. These include numerous references to the golden age character, Tawky the Tiger, including as a symbol that fastens Shazam!s cape. The classic villain Mr. Mind makes an early cameo and then is brought back in the end credits. Being from Philadelphia it was fun to see the film grounded in a real city instead of DC’s Fawcett City. Fawcett, Shazam!’s original publisher was memorialized as the name of public school that Billy attends. It’s also kinda fun to note the Shazam is the name of the Wizard and Billy Batson’s character is never officially named, most likely as a nod to the real life legal controversy with Marvel Comics that prevents DC from using the Captain Marvel name. 

Shazam! is the kind of film that is DCs most successful attempt at mimicking a Marvel style movie. The balance of action, humor, and use of pop music is much more even toned than DCs previous attempt with Suicide Squad. For this reason, most people will enjoy it. For comic readers, the film has plenty of missed opportunities with exploring more of the character’s established history. This would have distinguished Shazam! the character and film from the almost monthly release of superhero films. 

Comic Accuracy: 6/10

Overall Grade: 8/10

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Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, BrooklynComicShop.com