"Sup, I'm a superhero."
Trailer Review 016 & Movie Preview 028
DC
[April 5th, 2019]
Trailer(s) Effectiveness = 95% for such a fun take on the superhero genre that is especially refreshing in the current DC movie universe.
Without taking into account how you think of the finished product, the aftermath of Justice League certainly forces DC's hands to regroup and review their game plan for their cinematic universe. Wonder Woman is currently their only winning hand and it is currently shooting its own deserving followup while Aquaman is already on the fast track which I believe is in the right trajectory with its trailer debut to back up that claim and James Wan's dependable steady hands at the helm. This project in particular is a tricky premise to properly adapt without looking too childish or juvenile but maybe it is what they need right now to counter the predecessors' admittedly darker tone and visuals. That is if they could find the right balance and based on the first look of the titular character in motion, I believe that they might just have done that! It is a kid basically trapped in an adult alter ego body hence the lighthearted approach seeing throughout the scenes, between the kid, Billy Batson, still in his teenage body and then his reactions to being transformed into a full-fledged superhero and what he can do with it. It all looks natural to me and not appear forced at all compared to how the reshoots of the aforementioned ensemble, not adding quips or jokes for joke's sake and let them come out seamlessly out of the characters (full disclosure: I was quite entertained with Justice League actually but I can see the criticisms). Regarding the titular character himself, please know and remember that Shazam! is the manifestation of the ideal hero in the minds of Billy hence the ridiculously padded muscles all over the suit. That's what kids would visualise as their heroes! Don't diss on the bright red colour scheme and white cape, that's how he looks in the comics! This is his first live action adaptation, some of you might take time to get used to how he looks ... just like how Superman and Batman was decades ago! Do you remember how much people criticise them before, and how beloved they are now? All and all, I love how the movie looks as of now and I have high hopes that it would be an entertaining watch when it comes out early next year.
A heroic act to save someone in need ...
... deemed him worthy as the champion ...
Chance of Success =
80% with an upbeat superhero journey for a change in the DC universe and a more youthful outlook of the genre akin to Homecoming in some sense.
a case for the kid-turned-superhero premise:
+ Highlights +
bouncing against the inception of Superman, it is an effective premise of seeing how children would do with that much power if it is given to them, having much higher stakes considering he hasn't learn to live with it but rather learn from his mistakes.
? Main contention ?
the other Captain Marvel film coming out next year ... it's unfortunate he won't be able to keep that name but Shazam I believe suits him and his characteristics much more.
- Lowlights -
they might will not turn him into an antagonist (at least not right away) whereby he couldn't control his powers and had to have Superman come into rescue to save the day. that particular comic arc is quite dark ...
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a case for the vibrant first look of a childishly cheesy superhero finally being brought to life:
+ Highlights +
such a breath of fresh air of wonder and excitement in the eyes of the protagonists, seeing the journey of superpower-discovery as well as self-discovery that would be a much needed change of pace in current trend.
? Main contention ?
the original wielder of Shazam, the Wizard, will play a much larger part in this storyline and of course the inevitable introduction of Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam,
~
having him being a complicated kid would add to his struggles i.e. running from foster's home when he is given this power, giving him worthy mountain to overcome and finally find his purpose in the world by the end.
- Lowlights -
people judging the product already with even seeing the whole thing themselves ... the outrage culture is still alive and strong and I wish people would just be patient and reserved their judgement.
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- Synopsis -
A boy is given the ability to become an adult superhero in times of need with a single magic word.
or ...
! Spoiler Alert!
Billy Batson, a troubled 14-year-old orphan living in Philadelphia, is set up to move into a new foster home - his seventh in a row - with the Vazquez family and their other five foster kids. One day, Billy gets on a subway car and finds himself transported to a different realm, where an ancient wizard gives him the power to transform into a godlike adult superhero by uttering the word "Shazam!" Billy and his new foster brother Freddy Freeman must learn what Billy's new powers are and how to use them in order to stop the villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana from wielding powers of his own.
! Spoiler Alert!
Cast
A boy is given the ability to become an adult superhero in times of need with a single magic word.
or ...
Billy Batson, a troubled 14-year-old orphan living in Philadelphia, is set up to move into a new foster home - his seventh in a row - with the Vazquez family and their other five foster kids. One day, Billy gets on a subway car and finds himself transported to a different realm, where an ancient wizard gives him the power to transform into a godlike adult superhero by uttering the word "Shazam!" Billy and his new foster brother Freddy Freeman must learn what Billy's new powers are and how to use them in order to stop the villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana from wielding powers of his own.
! Spoiler Alert!
Cast
Zachary Levi as Shazam, Michelle Borth, Mark Strong as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman, Asher Angel as Billy Batson, Djimon Hounsou as the Wizard, Ross Butler, Grace Fulton as Mary Bromfield, Adam Brody, Natalia Safran as Mrs. Sivana, Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez, Lovina Yavari as Store Clerk, D.J., Cooper Andrews Victor Vasquez, Caroline Palmer as Billy's Mom ...
- x -
P.S. I particularly love the director's previous works, especially Lights Out. It might be quite a jump from horror genre into the superhero genre but I am confident he would be able to pull it off, just like how Scott Derrickson did with Doctor Strange.
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