“Shazam!” (2019)

An infectiously enjoyable good time, this film, more than any recent superhero film before it, embraces the inherent goofiness that these stories lend itself to, without sacrificing anything; it takes itself just as seriously as it needs to. Zachary Levi perfectly embodies the spirit of a young boy who’s just been granted incredible powers in a role he was born to play. There are so many memorable and hilarious scenes. And this film wisely keeps callbacks in this franchise to the bare minimum, allowing this film to stand as its own product. The climax goes on a touch too long, and some of the tonal shifts are jarring. But those minor issues don’t distract from what is otherwise a fun and often hilarious superhero film.

Rating: 4.5/5