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Shazam!

2019 2 hr 12 min actionadventure
Shazam! poster

Overview

Shazam! Storyline

Shazam! follows Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a 14-year-old foster child who is chosen by the ancient wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) to be his new champion. When Billy speaks the word “Shazam,” he magically transforms into an adult superhero (played by Zachary Levi), endowed with the powers of six mythological figures, including the strength of Hercules and the speed of Mercury. With the help of his foster brother, Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer), Billy learns how to use his newfound powers, though he’s far from mastering them.

Meanwhile, the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) seeks to steal Shazam’s powers for himself. As a child, Sivana was rejected by the wizard Shazam, and now he is obsessed with taking control of the magical abilities to unleash chaos. He gains access to the Seven Deadly Sins, powerful entities that help him terrorize the city.

Billy must learn what it truly means to be a hero while confronting his own insecurities and responsibility as a foster child. The film balances its superhero action with heartfelt moments, as Billy realizes the importance of family and the value of heroism beyond just powers.

action adventure comedy
Shazam! Details Director, release, studio & more
Director
David F. Sandberg
Release
04/05/2019
Runtime
2 hr 12 min
Studio
Array
Content rating
12
Last Updated
12 May 2026
Where to WatchPartners JustWatch
CMDB Review
8/10

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CMDB Review

Shazam! Review 8/10

We have rated this 8 out of 10. Shazam! is a refreshing and fun addition to the DCEU, offering a lighter and more humorous take on the superhero genre. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film stands out for its heartwarming approach, focusing on themes of family, responsibility, and growing up. Zachary Levi shines as the adult version of Billy Batson, bringing a perfect mix of innocence, humor, and heroism to the character. His performance is complemented by Asher Angel’s portrayal of the young Billy, creating a believable and endearing dynamic between the two versions of the same character.

The film’s charm lies in its humor and light-hearted tone, making it one of the most fun entries in the DCEU. The chemistry between Billy and Freddy adds a relatable, coming-of-age element to the story, while the action scenes are entertaining, though not as intense as those in other superhero films. Mark Strong’s portrayal of Dr. Sivana, while solid, feels somewhat conventional compared to other villains, but his relationship with Billy adds emotional weight to the story.

While the film could have benefited from a more fleshed-out villain, Shazam! is a delightful, family-friendly film that captures the essence of what it means to be a hero. Its warmth and humor make it stand out among the darker tones of other superhero films. 7/10.

Did You Know?

  • Shazam! is one of the lighter, more comedic films in the DCEU, focusing on humor and family dynamics instead of darker, more serious themes.
  • The character of Shazam first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (1939), created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker for Fawcett Comics, before being acquired by DC Comics.
  • Zachary Levi, who plays the adult Shazam, wore a padded suit to portray the superhero’s physique, which was a bit different from his real-life build.
  • Asher Angel, who plays young Billy Batson, spent several months working with Zachary Levi to perfect the portrayal of his character’s transformation from a teenager to an adult superhero.
  • The Seven Deadly Sins in the film are personified by monstrous creatures, each representing one of the classic sins: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.
  • The film’s tone was inspired by 1980s and early 1990s superhero films, specifically the fun and adventure seen in movies like Big (1988).
  • Shazam! is the first DCEU film to receive a PG-13 rating, making it one of the more family-friendly entries in the series.
  • The costume worn by Shazam was designed to be more comic-accurate, with a bright red color and gold accents, reflecting the classic look of the character.
  • Shazam! includes a reference to Superman and Batman, but neither of the iconic heroes physically appear in the film, keeping it lighthearted and more standalone within the DCEU.
  • The film’s post-credit scene teases the possibility of future Shazam sequels and other DC characters, expanding the potential for more films in the franchise.

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