Great power and great responsibility? – review of the DVD release of the movie “Shazam!”

Way to the screen

Shazam has been in comics for several decades. He started out (as Captain Marvel) back in 1940! For this reason, the approach to presenting this hero has changed many times. The filmmakers certainly had a lot to choose from. Finally, it was decided to base on the origin  story of  Geoff Johns and Gary Frank from DC The New 52  (published in Poland by Egmont). I was pleased with this information, because I had read the comic before and it is a really successful and humorous book. Anyway, it was here that for the first time a hero in a characteristic costume was presented as Shazam, not Captain Marvel. The reason for the change was legal problems with Marvel Comics.

I chose you!

As in the aforementioned comic, the main character of the adaptation is Billy Batson (Asher Angel) – a rebellious, orphaned teenager. Various foster families try to accept him, but the boy never feels good in their company and eventually always runs away. The same would be the case with the Vasquez House, had it not been for a twist of fate. Once, Batson accidentally ends up in a room inhabited by an aged wizard. He appoints Billy as his successor as a being of pure heart. From then on, by uttering the word “Shazam”, he transforms into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi), capable of wielding lightning. The trouble is that the choice is at first glance at least debatable. Batson does not think to use his new abilities for higher purposes, but prefers to focus on his own entertainment. What worse,

An accelerated course to save Saint

The greatest advantage of Shazam!  this is how much the movie differs from the classic superhero origins . Yes, the plot is built on well-known foundations, but what matters is what’s inside. Known patterns give way to family comedy, and a large part of the production is devoted to discovering the new incarnation of the main character. Though Shazam has the body of a muscular man, there is still a teenager inside. The absurdity of this situation is also emphasized by a kitschy costume with fluorescent lightning on the chest. Batson uses the gift rather for the fun of his and his half brother Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer). The dynamics between these characters is great. These two are responsible for generating most of the fun scenes. The ones that teach you how to use your superpowers are gems.

Of course, the idyll cannot last forever and finally there must be time for a confrontation with the opponent, as well as a lesson about responsibility and family ties. It is a pity that despite the noble message, family members are episodic characters and we can get to know them only in individual scenes in which they have the opportunity to shine. The antagonist is even worse. Mark Strong’s talent as Doctor Sivana was completely wasted. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a bland villain. In the comedy movie that is Shazam! a caricatured enemy would be more interesting. Sivana does not entertain, much less does not cause a feeling of danger.

Another disadvantage of the production is the clear budget of the production compared to the rest of the superhero cinema. CGI effects are a mouse click away, and the flying or clash scenes are more like CW series than high-budget productions. I assumed that by watching a movie at home, I would not lose much, so I was not tempted to visit the cinema. So let’s take a look at the Galapagos DVD release.

A record without any frenzy

Unfortunately, viewers have already got used to the fact that most of the additional material is on Blu-ray releases, while DVD media often contains nothing but the work itself. On the plus side, it should be noted that there is at least one addition on the disc and it’s really good. From the material Who is Shazam People unfamiliar with comics will learn the most. The movie is about a five-minute pill of knowledge about the hero’s story, his various incarnations and subsequent adaptations, up to the vision of David F. Sandberg. A positive feature of the DVD is the multitude of language options. We will find, among others Polish dubbing and original soundtrack. Both options were registered in the 5.1 format. You can also choose Polish (and not only) subtitles. The quality of the localization is at a fair level, which was not that easy, as the translators had to deal with translating numerous jokes. The box itself looks aesthetically, especially the cover, inspired by one of the cinema posters.

Whips definitely belong to the interactive menu. It was created with minimal effort and uses the same template as other Warner Bros. DVD editions. Only the background and music have been changed. Any animated elements are missing.

Shazam!  is an example of a successful combination of family and superhero cinema. It is a warm, funny proposition, making the evening more pleasant, and at the same time beating the “serious” part of the DC universe. It is a pity that there are no more bonus material on the DVD.