This movie isn't one fight scene after another, nor is it so crammed with gee-whiz SFX that it has little else to recommend it. I sometimes get the feeling that's all some superhero fanpeople are looking for. There's also no overly-complicated back stories and tangled plot lines the viewer must understand in order to enjoy the film. (Are you listening, Marvel?)
In fact, this movie is very enjoyable on a lot of levels. The plot, while familiar in many ways, is relatable. Billy Batson is a kid who's been through too many foster homes, has abandonment issues, and a distrust of authority that's spot-on for many kids "in the system." These young people often develop a snarky, seen-it-all shell as protection from more hurt, and Billy demonstrates this very well.
His foster brother, roomie, and ultimate best friend is Freddy, who's familiar with all the superhero tropes, and ends up as the most valuable resource Billy has, once he's invested with superpowers.
Some have said his discovery of his powers isn't funny. My husband and I thought it was hilarious. In this "everything online" age, the boys' experimentation with what Shazam can do is completely believable, and very funny. The scene in the convenience store is precisely what a 15-year-old boy would do if he suddenly finds he's bulletproof and looks 25.
Although there is a serious side, there's a joy in this movie that's completely missing from most of the Marvel or other more recent superhero flicks. There's comedy and there's joy, and this movie captures both very well.
The storyline of caring, loving foster parents is refreshing, and the scenes where Billy is at home break up the action sequences nicely, giving the viewer a chance to breathe.
Overall, the PG-13 rating is appropriate, since there is some violence that may bother younger viewers. But the plot putting emphasis on humans, not merely characters, was a real change of pace for the genre, and a good one. The acting was good, SFX were tip-top, and overall, this was just a fun movie. Looking forward to the sequel.
His foster brother, roomie, and ultimate best friend is Freddy, who's familiar with all the superhero tropes, and ends up as the most valuable resource Billy has, once he's invested with superpowers.
Some have said his discovery of his powers isn't funny. My husband and I thought it was hilarious. In this "everything online" age, the boys' experimentation with what Shazam can do is completely believable, and very funny. The scene in the convenience store is precisely what a 15-year-old boy would do if he suddenly finds he's bulletproof and looks 25.
Although there is a serious side, there's a joy in this movie that's completely missing from most of the Marvel or other more recent superhero flicks. There's comedy and there's joy, and this movie captures both very well.
The storyline of caring, loving foster parents is refreshing, and the scenes where Billy is at home break up the action sequences nicely, giving the viewer a chance to breathe.
Overall, the PG-13 rating is appropriate, since there is some violence that may bother younger viewers. But the plot putting emphasis on humans, not merely characters, was a real change of pace for the genre, and a good one. The acting was good, SFX were tip-top, and overall, this was just a fun movie. Looking forward to the sequel.
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