The big-screen origin story of DCEU's magical superhero has had its first screenings – and the initial reactions are in
"Funny." "Goofy." "Unlike anything DC has done before." Yep, the Twitter reactions are steadily flowing in from early screenings of superhero blockbuster Shazam! and, fair to say, they're pretty positive...
So, the film has screened. And no, we're not allowed to review it yet. Pesky embargoes. But Warner Bros are clearly quietly confident they have a hit on their hands, allowing viewers to tweet their reactions almost a month ahead of the film's release date (it hits cinemas on 5 April).
That might also have a little something to do with the fact that, in the comics, Shazam shared a name with a certain other superhero from a rival outfit who just happens to have a film out today. Some excellent trolling there, DC!
Shazam! is the seventh instalment in the DC Extended Universe, following on from Aquaman, which was the first DCEU movie to make over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. It tells the story of streetwise teen Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who gains the ability to turn himself into a chiselled adult superhero (played by Zachary Levi) thanks to some wizardy magic. Mark Strong also stars as the film's powerful big bad, Doctor Sivana. "Superman meets Big" is the elevator pitch and, if these reactions are anything to go by, it might just live up to that.
We'll bring you the full review as soon as we can but, for now, here's what we thought of Shazam's cinematic debut:
#Shazam is an absolute joy. Both definitely in the DCEU and nothing at all like any DCEU movie so far, it’s funny, warm, good hearted and silly and the cast is terrific. Watch out for our review soon. pic.twitter.com/NNPU5hqNtv
— Den Of Geek UK (@denofgeek) March 8, 2019
And Den of Geek's US editor praised the film for getting "the magical wonder of the character and his world right":
In fact, I'm gonna go out on a limb and call #Shazam my favorite DCEU movie. It is really well balanced, gets the magical wonder of the character and his world right, and somehow never feels like it's trying too hard.
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) March 8, 2019
Elsewhere, the film picked up similarly positive reactions:
#Shazam is big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before. Definitely in the vein of Tom Hanks' BIG, but with superhero action & lots of Batman and Superman references. I dug this film so much I wanted to give it a bear hug at the end. DC's movies keep getting better pic.twitter.com/WQJgo61gMg
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 8, 2019
loved #Shazam. It's super fun, very funny (a few times people were laughing so loud I missed dialogue), and exactly what they set out to make: 'Big' meets Superman. @ZacharyLevi is perfectly cast but the real surprise is @Jgrazerofficial as Freddy Freeman. Steals the show. pic.twitter.com/ssvs8Dwc2P
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) March 8, 2019
So I can now say that #Shazam is about as funny and charming as superhero movies get. Could well do for Zachary Levi what Guardians did for Chris Pratt
— Matt Maytum (@mattmaytum) March 8, 2019
Shazam! is the superhero film that you never knew you needed. Zachary Levi was born to play this role. Ridiculously entertaining & non-stop fun from start to finish. Loved every character & all of the pop culture references. This is what going to the movies is all about. #Shazam pic.twitter.com/SxCcCTy2ZB
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) March 8, 2019
#Shazam is an absolute delight! Super vibrant, tons of heart & a great fun-loving vibe. The family element is a big charmer & so is the humor that comes with watching @ZacharyLevi explore his new powers. Said this after IT but it's worth repeating - @Jgrazerofficial is a star.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 8, 2019
DC is finally building a solid run: #Shazam is a delight! Its familiar origin structure is forgivable because of all the new it brings to the table - primarily it's gleeful, childlike enthusiasm, & heartfelt perspective on family. It's also the role Zachary Levi was born to play. pic.twitter.com/5zXtfFDBGm
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 8, 2019
Shazam! opens in UK cinemas on 5 April 2019.
Source: https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/shazam/63893/shazam-first-reactions-what-did-people-think