‘Shazam!’ is easily the best DC Comics adaptation we’ve been given in years

Posted on April 12, 2019

By MARK VIOLA

I’ve said it before, but since we have a new DC Comics adaptation in our midst, it bares repeating. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has been a mixed-bag at best. Even “Wonder Woman,” which was well-made and told an entertaining story, suffered from a relatively weak third act. As for last year’s “Aquaman,” it piled on the fun and enjoyment so we could ignore the flaws around the edges.

Don’t get me wrong, I liked both films quite a bit, but what DC has been waiting for is a quality film that doesn’t need any caveats. Well, they finally delivered just that, and from perhaps the most obscure character to headline one of its movies yet: “Shazam!”

As proof of just how much I liked this movie, I actually saw it twice over its opening weekend. I was leaving the second showing when I overheard someone make an unlikely comparison, but it was one that very succinctly describes just why this movie works so well.

“Shazam!” is a lot like “Deadpool,” just without the R-rated language… and well, everything else that made “Deadpool” what it was. Except for one thing, or more accurately two. What both films managed to do really well was combine a healthy dose of comedy with a surprisingly emotional and compelling dramatic story in a way that elevates both sides of the equation.

It also doesn’t hurt that “Shazam!” has one of the most wish-fulfilling superheroes in any comic-book pantheon.

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