DC's second post Snyderverse movie has finally hit the Cinemas, and no surprise there, SHAZAM! Has put the "FUN" in Superhero Movies like there never has been before. Or has it? SHAZAM! pretty much felt like a "MARVEL" movie but with tons of steroids. In fact, SHAZAM! pretty much harkens back to the PRE-MARVEL Cinematic Universe superhero movies of the 90's. In case you've forgotten about those films, let me refresh you by throwing some names out here. Does Sky High ring a bell? How about My Super Ex-Girlfriend?, Meteor Man?, still doesn't ring a bell? Mystery Men anyone? Well probably it's because those movies despite being "FUN" and "ENJOYABLE" are just FORGETTABLE. These type of movies were created as stereotypical depictions of the mainstream audience's opinion about comic books (or as they would call it funny books) being childish and juvenile reading/movie materials suited for kids and those who never grew up from these types of fancy. These movies were watched but never analyzed, digested on its merits to bring fun and excitement to audiences and then just be forgotten at the deep recesses of their mind. NO, SHAZAM! never pretended to be anything more than just a fun romp Superhero movie. You won't see any Snyder craziness here to deconstruct a superhero. And this probably is the best decision Warner Bros. has ever made for their DC Cinematic Universe, in spite of what I have said above.
SHAZAM! basically is one kid's (Billy Batson) quest to find his missing family despite being adopted by a foster home full of adopted kids who are sincerely trying their best to accept Billy as a part of their family. While on the side, dealing with his new found powers like a normal 15 year old would do. The craziness of the superhero part is mixed in with strong performances by the goofy Zachary Levi as SHAZAM! and Mark Strong as his arch nemesis Dr. Sivana. SHAZAM! could have also worked as a drama comedy minus the superhero part but hey, we are after the Superhero part after all right? And SHAZAM! does not fail in the superhero department too. What makes the movie quite enjoyable for me was the tons of easter eggs that director David Sandberg has put into it. The "is Shazam! part of the Snyderverse?" question is vaguely answered as there are tons of easter eggs paying homage to the previous DCEU movies (even Superman made an appearance wearing the exact Snyder Superman suit). And if the Justice League failed you, then probably the SHAZAM! Family can pretty much take its place as surprise appearances by a roster of SHAZAM's extended family graced us in the movie. There's nothing really deep presented in the movie, but the touching running theme about "FAMILY" is the big take away in this movie as not only mortal Billy is supported by his mortal family, but their transformation as superhero themselves would put them in full circle as Billy/Shazam! would no longer have to deal with the real life troubles of the world alone, but he can face them with a renewed strength with his family by his side.
Did I enjoy the movie? Yes! Am I happy and agreeable with Warner Bros. new direction? Not so fast. BUT! Doing the movie SHAZAM! this way is actually the only way to do it. Not everyone may agree, but I always faulted the SNYDERVERSE VISION to the success of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy. The crazy execs at Warner Bros. fell so romantically in love with Nolan's "Dark", "Serious" , and "Cerebral" take on Batman's mythology that they surmised that HEY! Let's all make our superhero movies "Dark", "Serious", and "Cerebral". Failing to match the tone and theme to a particular Superhero. While I do get Snyder's vision of a more deconstructed superhero, and his effort to make these comic book characters more than a child's fantasy, I also understood the sentiments of those who were violently against Man of Steel and Snyder's succeeding DC Films. Superman should have been done on a more grander and majestic scale. Not Dark and Brooding, but a cheerful and hope filled superhero. Warner Bros. should have taken that route in the first place. But I guess not everything is too late, judging by the slate of films that are said to be released. Warner probably has learned their lesson by now because as seen in the Joaquin Phoenix starred Joker movie trailer, Joker won't be anywhere near Aquaman and SHAZAM! in tone and direction. Joker will be dark, violent, and probably thought provoking. I'm happy for SHAZAM! I'm genuinely happy for those who thoroughly enjoyed it, especially to the kids who finally have the opportunity to enjoy a DC movie. But, I still haven't moved on from the hangover of the Snyderverse. Waiting for the Snyder Cut of Justice League to be released by now is just pointless. Every DC Movie released starting from Aquaman has started to distance itself from the Snyderverse. But I'm still not losing hope that one day, the mythical Justice League will return to the big screen one day. And when Warner Bros. finally rakes in the money and profits they need to finance this whole damn DC Universe, it still wouldn't be a bad idea to revisit a MOVIE UNIVERSE that will continue to be debatable and an undying topic in forums and discussions in the years to come. The Snyderverse deserves to have its tale told and finished. Then we can all move on from that.
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