Teen Hero
Shazam!
Review by Ross Anthony

The first two-thirds of this film is rich with family dynamics, the stuff of growing up, themes of belonging and self-esteem. It creates a beautiful magic-eight-ball question mark around the concept of "nurture." Add to that: surreal adventure fantasy, danger, humor, surprise, and a plethora of characters you will like. This part of the movie is absolutely awesome. I loved it as an adult – and as an adolescent – I would have gone complete gaga. That said, sadly, the last third is one long titan punching titan scene. Whereas writers had developed such a meaty conflict to resolve between family members in the first two-thirds of the film, the last third pretty much walks away from all of that in exchange for a simple hero vs super-villain battle.

Yes, this last stretch does pause for some good humor here and there, and some worthy drama makes it to the screen, but loud crashing CGI bombast dominates here. I like big action – just not big action that takes over the story. Still undeniably a lot of fun, but this could have been an A+ movie.


  • Shazam! Copyright © 2019.
  • Starring Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou, Faithe Herman. Directed by David F. Sandberg. New Line Cinema.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Apr-2019 09:32:57 PDT