SHAZAM! (2019)

Although in a perfect world this film would actually be called Captain Marvel I have to admit that that is my only serious complaint with SHAZAM! (2019). Although my opinion may not be taken as seriously as those who have consistently derided the DC universe series of live-action films I'm sure that this movie, along with last year's AQUAMAN, continues a trajectory of producing films that will please most viewers. I think that not only the bitchy fans of superhero movies will be pleased but also fans of the original comics and that is no easy task. Since the major complaint from whining fans was that the previous DC films were not 'fun' this one changes that in a big way. This film is packed with a sense of fun and some very funny dialog but, luckily for me, manages to maintain enough of the darker elements for things to not become so light and fluffy that the dramatic elements become pointless.

The version of the character being depicted here is the most recent version of the Captain Marvel / Shazam character that the DC Universe has been portraying in their comics and it's an excellent way to meet the character for newcomers. It introduces all of the mythical, magical elements of the character's origin story without shortchanging any of the sense of wonder and fun that are inherent in the way the Shazam universe was built so many decades ago. All of the classic elements are kept in place, given a modern twist and then sent out along their merry way to interact with probably the nastiest of Shazam's original villain characters.

In a film in which there are many things to praise I want to single out the excellent performances from pretty much the entire cast. First of all there is the usual excellent performance from Mark Strong as the tale's villain Dr. Sivana. He's somehow able to exude an stoic evilness coupled with a sense of wonder at what he's finding. Strong is allowed by the script to paint with shades of gray to create his character and brings a relatable quality to the bad guy searching for an answer to a childhood trauma. He is a formidable and terrible monster once he is empowered but there is still a sense of a damaged man trying to prove himself right at any cost.

Zachery Levi as Captain Marvel - I mean, Shazam - is very good as well and gets to play things big in a lot of scenes but is also good at the story's many small moments. He's always believable in the role which has to be more difficult that this talented man is letting on. Watching this big lug slowly learn some responsibility and his place in the world was inspiring in ways I was not expecting. But the standout performance for me is from Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman. I saw this actor in last year's IT adaptation and he was good there but in this film he shines much more brightly. One reason for this is that he is our onscreen surrogate, discovering how his friend's new persona matches up with his super powered heroes. Grazer is able to brilliantly convey so many often conflicting emotions in a single scene that it's like watching someone really react to the incredible things he sees. I swear there are times in which the young actor somehow gets across multiple separate ideas in a single line of dialog simply with his confused facial expressions and body language. Amazing!

I loved this film and look forward to future adventures with this family of characters. And given the setup for one of my favorite Captain Marvel villains near the end of things I suspect I'll get my wish.