TAGGED AS: DC Universe, dceu, Superheroes
The DC Extended Universe has been on a roll with solo superhero movies, and now coming off the franchise’s biggest global hit yet with Aquaman, they have another winner on their hands, according to the first reactions from critics on social media. Shazam! is smaller but arguably more fun, and it’s less connected to the DCEU than past installments, which makes it especially appealing. The real sell, though, seems to be how much heart there is in this installment. It sounds like it’s not just great but totally lovable.
Here’s what the critics are saying about Shazam!:
Shazam! is another win for DC.
– Germain Lussier, io9
DC is finally building a solid run. Shazam! is a delight!
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
Shazam! is an absolute delight!
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
I LOVED every second of it. A colorful, vibrant, vital addition to the DCEU.
– Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
I absolutely loved Shazam! It’s my favorite DC film yet.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
I’m gonna go out on a limb and call Shazam! my favorite DCEU movie.
– Mike Ceccini, Den of Geek
DC didn’t try and make a movie that fits in perfectly with the larger DC Universe. They just focused on making a great Shazam movie and hit a home run.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
Shazam! is DC’s most joyful and sweet movie since the era of Christopher Reeve’s Superman… as liberated a comic book movie for DC as Deadpool was for Fox-Marvel.
– Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies
(Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures)
Shazam! is the superhero film that you never knew you needed… This is what going to the movies is all about.
– Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment
It encapsulates the wish fulfillment and wonder of superhero comics in a way that will appeal to kids whilst being filled with non stop surprises for big comic book fans too. I loved it.
– Rosie Knight, Nerdist
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 Ceccini, Den of Geek
It doesn’t reinvent the superhero movie wheel, but it’s undeniably fun!
– Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies
Shazam! is a super-powered Big… vivid character-driven action, heartrending central relationships and fully earned, totally satisfying emotional moments.
– Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
It’s a superhero Big. (How did it take so long?)
– Drew Taylor, The Playlist
Shazam! is parts Home Alone, parts Big, a crowd pleasing family-friendly joy-filled wish-fulfillment superhero film.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
It’s exactly what they set out to make: Big meets Superman.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
(Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures)
Hilarious and cute.
– Rachel Heine, Nerdist
It’s funny and the tone is exactly right.
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
Funny yet earnest.
– Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies
Even funnier than the trailers make it look.
– Mike Ceccini, Den of Geek
An absolute blast from start to finish, full of heart and hilarity. My face hurt from smiling so much.
– Dan Casey, Nerdist
Loved Shazam! It’s super fun, very funny (a few times people were laughing so loud I missed dialogue).
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
Sometimes feels like if Joe Dante or Robert Zemeckis made a superhero movie in 1985. It’s a family movie, but the villain and the magical stuff is just scary enough to give it that edge, and it never swings too far in either direction.
– Mike Cecchini, Den of Geek
Reminds of me of when kids’ movies were legitimately scary (in a good way).
– Dan Casey, Nerdist
(Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures)
Shazam! stands out because of the emotional, family story at its center… the family stuff is dynamic and powerful.
– Germain Lussier, io9
Its familiar origin structure is forgivable because of all the new it brings to the table, primarily it’s gleeful, childlike enthusiasm and heartfelt perspective on family.
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
Super vibrant, tons of heart and a great fun-loving vibe. The family element is a big charmer.
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
Fantastic! Full of heart and pure childhood wish fulfillment.
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
I was surprised at how much it wears its heart on its sleeve.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
It’s an amazing family movie with dope fight scenes and great humor! You guys are going to love it.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
Zachary Levi as Shazam was perfect casting.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
Zachary Levi is perfectly cast.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
It’s the role Zachary Levi was born to play.
– Eric Eisenberg, CinemaBlend
Zachary Levi is terrific!
– Drew Taylor, The Playlist
Zachary Levi is perfect in the role, and so is Asher Angel.
– Jenna Busch, Legion of Leia
(Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures)
Said this after IT but it’s worth repeating: Jack Dylan Grazer is a star.
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
The kids absolutely steal the show.
– Dorian Parks, Geeks of Color
The real surprise is Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman. Steals the show.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
I had some small issues with the hero/villain aspects.
– Germain Lussier, io9
Gets a bit over the top and cheesy at times.
– Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm
Excited to see more fun superhero moves from DC.
– Rachel Heine, Nerdist
DC is def on a winning streak. Bring on Todd Phillips’ Joker!
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
Shazam! opens everywhere on April 5.
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