'Shazam' A Superhero Flick With Humor and Heart

This is my initial review of the first Shazam movie for the Examiner in April 2019!

A film based on the "Shazam" comic has been in development since the early 2000s. Over the years, the comic adaptation went through several drafts and numerous story changes. Now, the superhero, Shazam, makes his way to the big screen as part of the DC Extended Universe. So, get ready for some fun action and laughs with "Shazam."

In the Warner Brothers/ New Line Cinema presentation of "Shazam," we all have a superhero inside all of us - it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14 year old Billy Batson's case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do - have fun while testing out his newfound powers.

But, he'll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam's magical abilities.

"Shazam" is a very entertaining superhero feature that does a great job mixing up the action and the humor. Some of the scenes in the film almost reminds me of the "buddy comedy" films that are out there. Especially the moments where Billy Batson, a.k.a. Shazam, is testing out his superhero skills with his foster brother. "Shazam" also has a nice little message that deals with families being there for you no matter what. The action sequences featured in the film are really awesome and you will have a great time watching this fun flick. And even when the action dies down, you will be too busy laughing at the humorous moments that "Shazam" offers. So, come on down to the Dietrich and see this humorous superhero flick! Also, make sure to stay during the credits for a couple additional scenes.

The cast: Zachary Levi (The Star; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Shazam, Djimon Hounsou (Captain Marvel) as Wizard, Mark Strong (The Catcher Was A Spy; Kingsman: The Golden Circle) as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, Asher Angel (TVs Andi Mack) as Billy Batson, Jack Dylan Grazer (Beautiful Boy; It) as Freddy Freeman, Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez, Grace Fulton (Annabelle: Creation) as Mary Bronfield, Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead; Den of Thieves) as Victor Vasquez and others. "Shazam" is directed by David F. Sandberg, who last directed the horror hits "Annabelle: Creation" and "Lights Out."

A film adaptation of "Shazam" has been in and out of development since the early 2000s. For some time, development stalled due to not getting a story/plot right. Once Warner Brothers announced their intentions with the DC Comics film universe (starting with "Man of Steel"), development for "Shazam" slowly started back up. The filmmakers cite the teen fantasies "Big" and "Stranger Things" as influences for the film. Principal photography for "Shazam" began in Toronto and Hamilton, in Ontario, Canada in January 2018 and wrapped in May 2018.

A sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, was released not long ago and ultimately became a box office disappointment and a critical disappointment as well.

"Shazam" is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language and suggestive material and has a running time of 132 minutes.