Which is probably why director David F. Sandberg’s film most comes alive at the moments where it pivots to either the family drama of Billy Batson and his foster family or the creepy quest for power undertaken by the film’s villain, Dr. Silvana.
Shazam! is a fun addition to the DC Comics canon of films, with a good heart and some well earned menace thrown into the usual superhero origin story.
Put those two strong pillars together, and mix in an endearing performance by the ever solid Zachary Levi, and you’ve got yourself a fun, but very familiar, day at the movies!