Wonder Woman was still kinda worthy, and even the gleefully campy Aquaman was anchored by an epic storyline about dynastic politics, but things have definitely gotten brighter.Īnd now, Shazam. have since made a concerted and welcome effort to reintroduce color into their superhero series. The DC Extended Universe began with a run of movies - Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League - that willfully leached color and joy from their comic book source material. Grazer has a warm, hilarious chemistry with both Levi and Angel, wringing laughs and pathos as the film mischievously up-ends superhero tropes.įreddy Freeman (left) establishes a winning chemistry with both Billy Batson and Shazam.Īnd so, with this magic word, DC's course correction seems complete. Also helping to sell that relationship is the excellent Jack Grazer as Freddy Freeman, Billy's superhero-obsessed chum. You totally buy that they're the same guy. Levi's infectious performance smooths the transformation between Shazam's adult form and young Asher Angel as the teen Billy Batson.
Instead, he throws himself into embodying a kid in a cape, brimming with immaturity and enthusiasm. Levi wholeheartedly tosses aside gritty superhero cliches - there's no affected gravelly voice here, no muscle-straining poses, no attempt to be "cool" at all. The movie, in theaters April 5, succeeds because of a winningly guileless performance from Zachary Levi as Shazam. The idea that the hero is basically a kid gives the film a compelling and unique hook, and it's a hook the filmmakers work for endless laughs and action. Unexpected, hilarious and joyful, Shazam is a giddy, exuberant blast of superhero freshness. The result is just a great night at the movies. Which means he's woefully unprepared when a maniac with powers of his own comes calling. So Billy sets about using his new powers responsibly - buying beer, getting into strip clubs and racking up hits on YouTube. But even with this new face and body, he's still the same teenager inside. Oh, and he's also transformed into a full-grown adult in a red leotard.
Zachary Levi is DC's big kid in a cape, Shazam.
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