Shazam (2019)

Went to see the latest superhero movie, and was pleasantly surprised.  The mix of drama and comedy works for this film.  It works because our superhero is a 14 year old boy in a hulking big body.  That is the charm of the movie, and it's theme is family, which isn't a bad theme to have.  Shot in Toronto filling in for Philadelphia the filmmakers create a good illusion of the city.  The filmmakers made sure they capture all the iconic Philadelphia landmarks and used them in their process shots.  I'm very skeptical when it comes to substituting cities with other cities because the filmmakers got a better deal in the city they were shooting in, but here it doesn't detract from the fun.

Though I would really like if Pennsylvania get's its act together and offer bigger tax credit to studios and filmmakers.  Don't they know for every dollar spent in the city or town they get like 3 or 4 dollars back?  But I digress.

The film is a fun origin story about a superhero created by magic.  It even references the other DC comic universe such as Badman, and Superman, yet the film stands on its own and you don't have to see the other DC films to enjoy the film.

The filmmakers even poke fun at comic book dramatics such as when the villain gives his speech and out superhero can't hear it because their far away from each other.  Pretty funny and you can see the filmmakers we're having fun.

But what the film hammers home is that the core to ones strength is family.  A family that you create.  A un-traditional family made up of people you care and love, but may not be related.  That's a pretty cool message to say especially in these times where we're all so divisive.  It's like a breath of fresh air, and I have to say that all the actors in this film do a great job in their performances.  Zachary Levi does a remarkable job as Shazam, and he looks and behaves like a 14 year old boy would if he were inside a big mans body.  The results are hilarious.

I ill not talk about the plot.  I hate spoilers, so I just suggest you go see the film and enjoy the moments.  It's a fun film, and one that you can take your family to.  All in all good film, and very entertaining.  Oh! and stay for the credits all the way through.  There are two clips one that sets up a sequel, and the other is a nudge to other superhero movies (wink~wink~nudge~nudge).

And to the filmmakers.  Please film here in Philadelphia when it comes time for the sequel.  It will look so much better I promise.  Let's just hope Pennsylvania gets its act together and pass a tax credit for filmmakers and studios.  Even though it did not detract from the movie it would have been so much cooler and better to see Philadelphia and it's citizens up on screen.  There is a tribute to even Rocky in the film, but being there and showing it in a process shot are two different things.  It's like the film "Moonlight" with Cher.  Shot in Toronto but takes place in New York.  Never works for me and really hurts the film.  Could have been such a better film.

So filmmakers think about that when you make your next film and set it someplace iconic.  Film the story where the story takes place.  Please!