Cast and Crew: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong, Djimon Hounsou, Grace Fulton, Cooper Andrews, Marta Milans, Jovan Armand, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Caroline Palmer and David Kohlsmith 
Director: David F. Sandberg
Screenplay: Henry Gayden
Story: Henry Gayden and Daren Lemke 
Run time: 132 minutes
Shazam Budget: Around 100 million dollar

A barrage of superhero flicks has likely opened up. With people eagerly waiting for Marvels Avengers: Endgame saga, DC Comics’ Aquaman in the last weeks of 2018 and early 2019 and Captain Marvel most recently have already barged the coveted 1billion dollar club. Shazam is walking the same path with brilliant reviews and impressive ticket bookings across the globe. 

Storyline

A sorcerer supreme is looking for its successor to save the world from seven deadly sins. After much search, he comes across Billy Batson, a 14-15-year-old orphan who’s finding his mother for years. Billy, who has just shifted in with his new family grows up into a tall-muscular caped crusader after the transfer of powers. He shares his secrets with his friend cum brother Freddy Freeman. Together they explore his superpowers and in the quest finds the villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. The baddie seeks Shazam’s powers. What happens next is interesting to watch. 

Screenplay

The screenplay looks dragged in the beginning, but once it takes up, then there’s only a surge in the plot. Scenes involving Billy and Freddy where they examine his powers are quite funny. They leave you exulted and in splits. The bonding of siblings during the climax is a show stealer with a pleasant twist.

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Acting

Zachary Levi, Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer are the lifelines of the film. They are in full form. Levi along with these prodigies captures moment after moment in the film. Playing the titular role, Levi gets well into the mindset of a 15-year-old and never looks overboard. Their presence is heartening and performances endearing. Mark Strong as supervillain delivers okay performance with no other layer to his character.  Grace Fulton, Cooper Andrews, Marta Milans, Jovan Armand, Ian Chen, Caroline Palmer, David Kohlsmith and a special mention to the cutie Faithe Herman for her innocent act. 

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Dialogues

There are some seriously funny one-liners in the movie, especially between Levi and Jack. The flick is laced with many pop-culture references, easter-eggs and punch lines.

VFX and CGI

The movie looks visually stunning and floats on the lighter side. Seven deadly sins seem real and in sync with the narrative.

Cinematography

Camera work is amazing. It decently captures the struggles of Billy turning into Shazam and trying his powers. 

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Direction

The horror flick specialist David F. Sandberg known for his Annabelle: Creation does a Marvel Cinematic Universe thing. He has set the tone of the flick as light and humorous as opposed to DC’s usual world. The Swedish director looks in full control of his craft.

Why watch?

See it as a light-hearted entertainer and a build up for next Justice League franchise with surprising twists and turns. Do wait for two End Credit Scenes for the secret. 

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Verdict

If you are looking for some quality time with your friends, family and relatives then Shazam is tailor-made for you. But be a child before you enter. Kids will love it.

Special trivia

Shazam stands for (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury). He was the actual Captain Marvel, but MCU stamped a copyright claim before DC on the name. Hence, we have a female Captain Marvel, who’s reportedly the strongest Avenger. Interestingly, Shazam’s family is originally known as Captain Marvel’s family. 

Rating: 4/5