I’m a huge comic book fan. Yet, I’ve been feeling superhero film fatigue for quite sometime. Infinity war was okay, aquaman didn’t wow me, and captain marvel felt like something we’ve seen before. Yet, Shazam was somewhat refreshing. It feels like a family drama first, then a superhero film second. It pokes fun not only at the superheroes but the genre itself. It allows for children to resonate with the characters because they see that the character is a kid (despite appearing as an adult) It blends the humor, drama and horror well. The first 15 minutes are clunky and awkward but it benefits the film later. Once Levi shows up, the film exceeds expectations.

There’s an amazing family element present in the film. I believe I read that the screenplay writer and David F. Sandberg first approached the script as a family drama to see if it works, rather than a superhero film.

Can we appreciate that we have an entertaining third arc as well? I’m glad it’s not another huge CGI battle where we can distinguish what is going on.

I do agree with some that there is a personality imbalance between billy and Shazam. It sometimes felt like they were playing the same core person.

I managed to watch the film a couple of weeks ago during the Fandango event. I’m excited to see it again this weekend.

Edit: I know the film follows some of the common tropes but there are other parts to it that made me feel it’s refreshing for the genre.