Although the DC Extended Universe didn’t have a smooth beginning, it seems to have recently found its way. This is largely thanks to Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Now it appears that Shazam! will be another potentially huge hit for Warner Bros. and DC. The superhero film, which features Zachary Levi in the title role, recently had early screenings. Based on the feedback, it looks like lightning has struck again.
First up is Terri Schwartz, who serves as editor-in-chief of entertainment for IGN. In her Twitter post, she notes, “I’ve seen #Shazam. I LOVED Shazam. It’s an absolute blast, very much carried by a strong cast of kid actors and an awesome performance from @ZacharyLevi. There’s so much heart and humor in this film – not to mention a positive message and great twists. It’s a needed burst of joy.”
Brandon Davis, who works with ComicBook.com, added his thoughts on Twitter as well. “#Shazam is another gigantic win for DC following #Aquaman and #WonderWoman and is just so different from both of them,” he said. “I love it.”
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Jenna Busch, the founder of LegionofLeia.com, praised the actors and tone of the film in her post. “Finally allowed to say that #Shazam was fantastic!” she quipped. “Full of heart and pure childhood wish fulfillment. It’s funny and the tone is exactly right. @ZacharyLevi is perfect in the role, and so is @asherangel, who I’m convinced is @maisie_williams’ brother!”
Erik Davis, managing editor for Fandango, also provided positive feedback on his Twitter account. “#Shazam is big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before,” he proclaimed. “Definitely in the vein of Tom Hanks’ Big, but with superhero action & lots of Batman and Superman references. I dug this film so much I wanted to give it a bear hug at the end. DC’s movies keep getting better.”
Davis also went into more detail. “What really sets #Shazam apart from any other superhero film is its foster care setting. I always thought that was so unique about the comic character, and the film’s ragtag makeshift family is simply stellar. So much heart, so many laughs.”
Scott Menzel, editor-in-chief of We Live Entertainment, had even more praise. “Shazam! is the superhero film that you never knew you needed. Zachary Levi was born to play this role. Ridiculously entertaining & non-stop fun from start to finish. Loved every character & all of the pop culture references. This is what going to the movies is all about.”
“With Shazam, David F. Sandberg proves once again that he is a remarkable filmmaker that has seamlessly made the jump from small budget horror to big budget blockbuster,” added Menzel. “Shazam naturally embraces diversity without being showy plus it has great messages about family too.”
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“As someone who has six adopted brothers & comes from a family that has fostered dozens of children, I couldn’t be happier that #Shazam celebrates foster families. And is told in such an authentic way that doesn’t feel forced. It’s the heart of the film and the story.”
Over on Joblo.com, editor-in-chief Paul Shirey noted why he found the film to be so great. “#Shazam is also a film that absolutely lives and breathes in the wider DCEU and numerous callbacks (some of them quite hilarious) are featured throughout. Lots of cool nods and surprises throughout. Stay all the way to the end credits.”
He also added that the less you know about the film going in, the better. Refusing to give away spoilers, he said, “Again, not giving away spoilers, so don’t ask. It does no service to the film to do so. Go in as cold as possible. You’ll be grateful for it.”
Shazam! may not repeat the success of Aquaman’s massive $1.1 billion box office take. However, it should still give April’s box office an excellent start. Lionsgate’s Hellboy adaptation (featuring David Harbour) follows a week later. Avengers: Endgame will appear the end of April.
Shazam! opens on April 5. What do you think about the early Shazam! reactions?? Let us know in the comments below!
