Shazam! IS A WELCOME CHANGE OF PACE

Many kids dream of being a superhero, but what would that be like? Well, DC’s newest film Shazam! shows us just that.

Streetwise 14-year-old Billy Batson (Asher Angel) is just trying to find his place in the world when he is summoned by an ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou).

Chosen to become the wizard’s champion, Billy now just has to shout the word “Shazam!” and he transforms into the adult superhero, Shazam (Zachary Levi).

Revelling in his newfound powers, Billy starts testing his abilities with his foster brother, Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer), and recklessly doing whatever he can with them.

But being a superhero isn’t all fun and games. Trouble comes calling with Dr Sivana (Mark Strong), a man who has been corrupted by the forces of evil and imbued with his own superpowers.

Now, he wants Billy’s powers and the young boy must learn what being a superhero really means if he’s to defeat the supervillain.

All heroes have to grow and Billy is definitely no exception.

In the beginning, he lacks any semblance of responsibility and comes across as quite selfish.

Over the course of the movie though, he gradually becomes a better person and starts to form a true bond with his foster family.

Freddy was also a real good supporting character, helping Billy with his superhero endeavours and calling him out when he acts too self-absorbed. That being said, Freddy doesn’t disapprove of using Billy’s powers for juvenile mischief.

Mark Strong easily portrays a menacing villain and he even has understandable motivations for his actions.

Shazam! is certainly one of DC’s more light-hearted films and this is a welcome change of pace. While there were serious moments, the movie never forgets its sense of fun.

Overall, Shazam is a welcome addition to DC’s crew of superheroes.