The Sam Raimi Spider-Man comparisons have been made and they’re right. Shazam was funny, sincere, and just… genuine. They really cared about what they were making. A lost art these days with most media I consume. That’s what made this so refreshing compared to trash like Man of Steel and BvS.
The characters were actual characters. They’re fully established through plenty of interactions and dialogue. You feel for them. You understand them. Shazam and the villain each go down opposite paths to become who they are and that juxtaposition is a hero/villain dynamic that I’ve been missing. The villain, while not the most interesting character ever was actually built up and has a motivation that ties into Shazam becoming a hero. It feels weird to praise a modern superhero film for being about becoming a hero but wow, what a concept! That power-testing montage had me smiling all the way through.
Ultimate Reflections:
Wish I put this one out earlier but if you haven’t seen it, please do. Give it your money. Show them we want more of this. It’s competent, fun, and fresh. DC seems to be course correcting or at the least doing their own thing and they should be rewarded for not doubling down on their failures. Looking forward to Shazam 2. Film it while the actors are young, WB.
Score:
The better Captain Marvel/10
There D Hood Reviews 