Shazam! movie news

[Raph's Girl]

Dwayne Johnson, the actor formerly known as "The Rock," confirmed to SCI FI Wire that he will play the villainous Black Adam in the upcoming Shazam! movie, and not the superhero Captain Marvel—a choice he made at the urging of fans at Comic-Con and elsewhere.

"And talking to those fans down there, they had talked up to me about, you know, 'There's also this great character called Black Adam,'" Johnson said in an interview while promoting his upcoming SF movie Southland Tales. "I said, 'Oh, really? Tell me about it.' And they were telling me all about it. And I got some more history about Black Adam, and I just found Black Adam, just for me personally, more interesting to play. He's really a badass character. I love that."

Black Adam is a super human who is the flipside of Captain Marvel, according to Wikipedia. "When I was doing the junket for the Game Plan, someone had asked me about Shazam! again, and I said, 'Well, to be honest with you, ... what I would like to see is for the fans to decide who they would like me to play,'" Johnson said, adding: "Considering how passionate the fans are about this, I said, 'I don't believe it's up to the studio or the director or myself.' So there's [Captain Marvel]. And there's Black Adam. And I said, 'So, you guys let me know who?' And across the board, it was all Black Adam."

Shazam!, based on the classic DC Comics series, centers on Billy Batson, a young boy who gains the ability to transform into the superhero Captain Marvel by saying the magic word 'Shazam!'

Johnson's Get Smart helmer Peter Segal will direct Shazam!, which is written by John August (Corpse Bride). Johnson said that August turned in his most recent draft of the script on Nov. 2 in advance of an impending writers' strike. Shooting is expected to take place in late 2008, after Johnson completes his role in Disney's upcoming Witch Mountain.

Booya!! The Rock is Black Adam! :D

[Magneto]

Great! He's a much better fit with Adam than he would have been as the big red cheese.

[Raph's Girl]

I was looking at the list of movies coming out next year and discovered that this film now has a different name. Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam. WTF?

http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0448115/

[Andrew NDB]

https://www.newsarama.com/35421-report-shazam-starts-production-in-februrary-corroborates-the-rock-no-longer-attached.html

Shazam starts shooting in February and... no more Rock? This is very puzzling on a number of levels.

[Andrew NDB]

Looks like confirmed:
https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/shazam-confirmed-to-shoot-in-february-2018-dwayne-the-rock-johnson-will-not-appear-as-black-adam-a152631

[Vegita-San]

'"And talking to those fans down there, they had talked up to me about, you know,''

seems like a weird thing to say.

but, whatever.

I doubt a super light hearted seeming character like shazam would fit well in the DC Murder verse. in the animated series, they show billy as even more boyscout than superman.

that won't fit in well.

[Andrew NDB]

And I can kind of understand beginning things with a Black Adam movie to warm people up to the idea of a Shazam! movie... but I can't understand just beginning with a Shazam! movie that doesn't even have Black Adam in it at all.

[TigerClaw]

And I can kind of understand beginning things with a Black Adam movie to warm people up to the idea of a Shazam! movie... but I can't understand just beginning with a Shazam! movie that doesn't even have Black Adam in it at all.
Maybe to built up for Black Adam to face Superman in a Man of Steel 2?

[NinjaPug]

Maybe to built up for Black Adam to face Superman in a Man of Steel 2?

How does that help a Shazam movie that doesn't have Black Adam in it?

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I really, really, reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally don't care about this.

I am, however, baffled that WB chose this as the next project to prioritize? Not Flash or Green Lantern? Not Nightwing or Batgirl? Not Robin or Supergirl or Man of Steel 2?

[Andrew NDB]

Not Flash or Green Lantern?

Well, isn't Flash in active production but still mired with the same problems its had since the beginnings? (revolving door of directors, etc.) Putting a "rush" on Flash (get it?) would probably make things even more difficult to keep a director on it, I'd imagine.

This Shazam! thing smells of Geoff Johns to me. He's always had a soft place for Captain Marvel at DC and with all of his many interviews in the last few months all saying the same mantra about, "The thing that's so great about DC characters is how much they're full of hope and fun, blah blah," I bet he's convinced the right people that Shazam! can be the champion of that movement in the DCCU. Because they've already screwed up Superman, in their eyes.

It's so weird how afraid they are of touching Superman. Even before Man of Steel, even before Superman Returns... just years and years of them... talking about it. Thinking things, overthinking things. He's like the easiest DC character to get "right."

[Andrew NDB]

Yeah, this smells of Geoff Johns all right.

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/director-david-f-sandberg-talks-about-shazam-and-how-billy-batson-gets-to-become-superman-a152664

I'm almost positive I've heard Geoff use those exact words to describe why Shazam! is so great.

[ZariusTwo]

Still scarce info, but David Sanberg feeds us the same ''we'll be much lighter'' line we've heard before

https://www.newsarama.com/35795-shazam-director-promises-lighthearted-departure-from-dark-dc-movies.html

[Andrew NDB]

Still scarce info, but David Sanberg feeds us the same ''we'll be much lighter'' line we've heard before

Everyone towing the Geoff Johns line.

Sad!

[Vegita-San]

lighter is just what a shazam series needs.

it should have been what superman needed too..

everything can't be dark and moody like batman..and even batman needs a break from that sometime.

[Powder]

This thread is 10 years old, daaamn.

[snake]

Is the rock casting rumor seriously 10 years old? What the f*ck?

[Candy Kappa]

2007 was like 2 years ago... stop it.

[snake]

This thread is a Cybercubed rant in the making.

[Vegita-San]

2007 was like 2 years ago... stop it.

never noticed how old the thread was. has this thing seriously been in planning that long? thought it was rather recent.

[Andrew NDB]

Shazam! is the next DCEU movie they're shooting.

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/shazam-is-the-next-dceu-movie-to-shoot-confirms-david-f-sandberg-he-also-comments-on-black-adams-absence-a153307

Pretty unfortunate. Nobody cares about a Shazam! movie except Geoff Johns. This is clearly the "Look! Everyone, see? DCEU movies are not about doom and gloom! Really!" movie.

[The Deadman]

Shazam Release Date Confirmed by Director
http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/897467-shazam-release-date-confirmed-by-director

[Utrommaniac]

The only thing I know of Shazam! is from the special comic that Jeff Smith did for him...which I only read because I was into Bone at the time (yet I never finished RASL?)

So even if the movie flops, I can hope that at least Jeff Smith would have enjoyed it, since Shazam! is his favorite superhero.

[Autbot_Benz]

Shazam has been cast. He will be played by Zachary Levi

http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/10/27/shazam-movie-cast-zachary-levi-dc-comics/

[Krutch]

Interesting choice. I can get behind it. Zachary's a good dude who does his homework so happy to see him catch a leading role like this.

[Cure]

Wait, I don't get it. The article says he's playing Billy Batson. But like...chill. He's a grown ass ****ing man. So Is he Shazam? Because he sucks for that, too. He's dorky and goofy looking.

[TigerClaw]

Wait, I don't get it. The article says he's playing Billy Batson. But like...chill. He's a grown ass ****ing man. So Is he Shazam? Because he sucks for that, too. He's dorky and goofy looking.
a grown up Billy Batson, you have to remember that you see him as a kid, and then he grows older, he's still Billy Batson, but as an adult.

[Cure]

...uh-huh.

[Krutch]

Oh, I assumed he'd just put on some muscle ala Chris Pratt and would only be playing Shazaam and some other kid would be playing Billy.

[Coola Yagami]

a grown up Billy Batson, you have to remember that you see him as a kid, and then he grows older, he's still Billy Batson, but as an adult.

Except this dude needs to bulk up because he looks more like the kid than Shazam.

[Andrew NDB]

This movie is dead on arrival. I hope Geoff goes down with the ship this time... he is 100% the little weasel pushing this movie through.

[Autbot_Benz]

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/shazam-adds-annabelle-creation-actress-grace-fulton-in-a-mystery-role-could-it-be-mary-marvel-a154974

Shazam adds Mark Strong as possible Villain and Grace fulton in mystery role

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Billy Bateson has been cast!

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/warner-bros-and-new-lines-shazam-movie-has-finally-found-its-billy-batson-a155059

[Andrew NDB]

Shazam adds Mark Strong as possible Villain

What a waste.

[TigerClaw]

Looks like the movie will take huge inspiration from the Tom Hanks movie "Big".
https://www.comicbookmovie.com/shazam/shazam-star-zachary-levi-likens-his-upcoming-movie-to-the-tom-hanks-classic-big-but-with-superpowers-a155360

Star Zachary Levi (Chuck), who will bring the mighty hero to life, recently stopped by KTLA 5 to share a few intriguing tidbits about the upcoming David Sandberg-directed film, teasing the film's fun coming-of-age tone and comparing it favorably to a Tom Hanks classic. "The hope is that it’s gonna feel like the movie ‘Big’, but with superpowers... So, you’re gonna have the heart of that kind of Tom Hanks of the kid in you."

[Andrew NDB]

http://www.darkhorizons.com/shazam-director-asks-fans-to-wait-before-judging/

The director asks to "wait before judging."

[ZariusTwo]

Movie will be released April 5th 2019

http://deadline.com/2018/01/shazam-spring-2019-release-date-dc-warner-bros-1202241983/

[ZariusTwo]

Superman will appear

https://revengeofthefans.com/2018/01/25/rtf-exclusive-heres-next-time-youll-get-see-cavills-superman-movies/

[Autbot_Benz]

http://collider.com/shazam-filming-begins-dceu/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=collidersocial&utm_medium=social

Filming starts today

[ZariusTwo]

The costume

https://twitter.com/DcComicsUnited/status/970819064183566336

[TurtleTitan97]

Looks pretty good.

[Candy Kappa]

I'm hyped to see the costume in full, cause that looks marvelous

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I'm hyped to see the costume in full, cause that looks marvelous

I see what you did there...

[ZariusTwo]

https://i.redd.it/v91f10hkhkk01.jpg

[Andrew NDB]

Dude didn't get nearly buff enough.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

DC just doesn't seem to get it. The suit looks too cartoonish.

[NinjaPug]

Suit looks ok on its own but Levi not being able to come close to filling it out coupled with the fake muscles makes it look bad overall.

[Andrew NDB]

DC just doesn't seem to get it. The suit looks too cartoonish.

There really isn't any way to do the Captain Marvel costume without it looking hokey. It's supposed to be strange and bright and like something out of the 1940s.

If this movie does bad there's a pretty good chance WB will finally dump Geoff Johns.

[The Deadman]

Shazam! Has Officially Finished Shooting
http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/945443-shazam-has-officially-finished-shooting

[ZariusTwo]

Zach Levi shows off some promotional material

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDiorVA22S/?utm_source=ig_embed

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

https://batman-news.com/2018/07/11/shazam-zachary-levi-official-photo/

First official photo released.

https://i1.wp.com/batman-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Shazam-Official.jpg?resize=696%2C464&quality=80&strip=info&ssl=1

[Autbot_Benz]

go6GEIrcvFY

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Okay, that looks utterly charming. I'm interested. Not SOLD, but interested. Good work, trailer!

[TigerClaw]

I love the Trailer. They weren't kidding when the movie was gonna be Big with Superpowers. I love that its lighthearted. There are little references that is set in the DCEU.

[Galactus]

Looks okay. Certainly looks more engaging than most DCEU movies.

I've never much cared for the the depictions of Captain Marvel/Shazam were he completely keeps his youthful personality after his transformation. I get there's a certain charm to that and it plays in to the whole wish fulfillment aspect of the character but I assume and hope that the humour of him being a kid in a buff, adult superbody doesn't take up much of the movie.

Also I get that the character is supposed to be outlandish but unless you're actually setting this in an outlandish world I think they could have toned down the costume somewhat.

[drgon78]

Looks interesting.

[Andrew NDB]

Doesn't look bad... but man it is trying hard (too hard) to be funny.

[Coola Yagami]

Doesn't look bad... but man it is trying hard (too hard) to be funny.

How serious can you take a kid who turns into a grown up superhero by yelling out SHAZAM?

[Andrew NDB]

How serious can you take a kid who turns into a grown up superhero by yelling out SHAZAM?

Not very. And humorous is doubtlessly the route to go... it just seems pretty desperate there, in the trailer. Like, "Laugh! This is funny!"

[sdp]

Wait, did I miss something, why isn'y Billy Batson turning into Captain Marvel? Why is he like a separate character?

The movie doesn't look bad, just SUPER safe.

[Andrew NDB]

Wait, did I miss something, why isn'y Billy Batson turning into Captain Marvel? Why is he like a separate character?

Eh... what? He is and he did. Watch the trailer again. The friend of Billy's who I'm assuming is Freddie is Captain Marvel Jr. in the comics is the one screwing with him.

Separate thing: why is New Line making a WB movie? What's going on here? This would be like Disney outsourcing a Wonder Woman movie to Universal or something. Are they that scared of failure after JL?

[Jester]

Separate thing: why is New Line making a WB movie? What's going on here? This would be like Disney outsourcing a Wonder Woman movie to Universal or something. Are they that scared of failure after JL?

Isn't New Line a subsidiary of Warners? Like Platinum Dunes and Paramount?

[Spike Spiegel]

Isn't New Line a subsidiary of Warners? Like Platinum Dunes and Paramount?

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hOxigXrlYkI/maxresdefault.jpg

kGmQJs62QAI

If you'll remember, New Line distributed the 1990s TMNT films, and WB prints the current blu ray set.

[Andrew NDB]

Isn't New Line a subsidiary of Warners? Like Platinum Dunes and Paramount?

Never knew that. Huh. I guess I'm just wondering then... why the different facade, then?

[Utrommaniac]

How serious can you take a kid who turns into a grown up superhero by yelling out SHAZAM?

Well there's this (http://incognitomoustache.tumblr.com/post/75151781651/catbountry-nerdgerhl-wondygirl)

Granted, it's a drastically different tone than this, but all things considered, a child becoming an adult superhero with a single word is going to lead to the unpleasant situations. I'm not even sure any of the Robins were this young when they started working with Batman (correct me if I'm wrong), but they at least had minuscule grounding in what it meant to do what they did. Billy is very likely to learn the hard way that not every situation is going to be like stopping a corner store robbery by throwing the perpetrators out the window.



Also I am so confused by the Captain Marvel thing. Do both DC and Marvel have their own Captain Marvels???

[Autbot_Benz]

Well there's this (http://incognitomoustache.tumblr.com/post/75151781651/catbountry-nerdgerhl-wondygirl)

Granted, it's a drastically different tone than this, but all things considered, a child becoming an adult superhero with a single word is going to lead to the unpleasant situations. I'm not even sure any of the Robins were this young when they started working with Batman (correct me if I'm wrong), but they at least had minuscule grounding in what it meant to do what they did. Billy is very likely to learn the hard way that not every situation is going to be like stopping a corner store robbery by throwing the perpetrators out the window.



Also I am so confused by the Captain Marvel thing. Do both DC and Marvel have their own Captain Marvels???

DC used to call Shazam Captain Marvel. But they stopped writing comics for a bit. Than Marvel got the rights to Captain Marvel for media and comics so DC Couldn't call him that anymore. So now he is Shazam

[Andrew NDB]

DC used to call Shazam Captain Marvel. But they stopped writing comics for a bit. Than Marvel got the rights to Captain Marvel for media and comics so DC Couldn't call him that anymore. So now he is Shazam

They've never really stopped making Captain Marvel comics. They just screwed with the name of the comics he'd appear in in different ways, at different times. Until after the New 52, when they doubled down and firmly changed Captain Marvel into Shazam... even though the Wizard is (was?) always Shazam.

And I'm sure there's been an explanation for this since the New 52 but... previous to it, if Batson says "Shazam!" he either turns immediately into Captain Marvel or summons a lightning bolt from Shazam down. But now his name is Shazam. How does he even have a conversation now with anyone? Just... avoids saying his own name, perpetually? Weird.

[Vegita-San]

maybe they put stuff they don't believe in or care about (like PD and Paramount/Turtles) under the newline logo?

or don't think it's 'edgy' enough to fit under the WB logo? make casuals think a different company is responsible for it?

[Candy Kappa]

Also I am so confused by the Captain Marvel thing. Do both DC and Marvel have their own Captain Marvels???

Shazam was originally a Fawcett comics in 1940, and at a point even outsold the her he was a rip-off off; Superman. DC or National Comics at the time sued their ass off in the 50's. Marvel Comics Captain Marvel is from the late 60's and they snatched the trademark while Fawcett wasn't publishing any books, DC didn't publish Shazam until the 70's iirc.

So it's a mess :lol:

[ranger_scout]

They weren't kidding when the movie was gonna be Big with Superpowers. I love that its lighthearted.\

My thoughts exactly. I also find it to be a bit of a coincidence that this trailer dropped around the time of Big's 30th anniversary.

[ZariusTwo]

yJCbtNZ18O8

[Leo656]

These trailers are bipolar as f*ck.

I really like all the dramatic stuff, but this feels way too much like a kids' movie, rather than just "a movie kids can also enjoy". It's incredibly try-hard and not funny. I'm nervous.

I love Captain Marvel. A lot of his stories are more light-hearted, but HE'S no clown. This definitely feels more like a remake of "Big" where the kid dresses like Captain Marvel rather than a true "Shazam" movie. I don't think they understand the material. If the jokes were dialed down just a shade and Cap himself wasn't such a goof, it would be better. Visually they nailed it pretty well.

I'm sure it's going to do well BECAUSE it's so goofy, and will be highly-praised by people who don't read comics, but this thing looks like it has serious balance issues, just going by what they've decided to lead with. Maybe the final movie will be more even.

Still, the desperation of DC/WB to prove that they have a sense of humor is overwhelming. I really wish that wasn't the big "lesson" they took away from The Other Guys' films.

[Sumac]

News at 11: people don't like depressive stuff!

[Leo656]

News at 11: You don't have to hit someone with a rubber mallet to be "funny" either. :roll:

Captain Marvel is light-hearted. This looks like a straight up comedy children's film, which is not what the books are about at all. If anything Cap is generally the straight man and it's the situations that are absurd. The trailers have it all backwards.

Criticism stands. Hoping the final product is more even-handed than the trailers.

Also, and for the thousandth time: speak for yourself and no one else, please. I'lll take a product of substance, regardless of subject matter, over something designed to elict chuckles and nothing more, any day of the week. 99% of "comedic" films are vapid swill. It's entirely possible for a movie to be funny without screaming in your face that it is, indeed, funny. "Scrooged", for example, is very funny. But it also knows better than to repeatedly insist upon itself.

I laugh a lot in real life. Not at "funny" movies. Because they are generally not actually very funny, they're either over-the-top gross like "American Pie" or plain insipid like anything Adam Sandler ever made. Very little middle ground in the "comedy" genre. I'm a big fan of subtlety; "funny" movies don't know how to be funny without making it painful. They try too hard.

Especially when dealing with stories that are ultimately not supposed to be funny. Like super-hero stories. They're not funny. Most of them are about averting the apocalypse in some way. That isn't funny. I don't see the joke.

[Leo656]

https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-set-visit/#leave-comment

Pretty interesting stuff. Not a huge fan of New 52 influence, but I like the general story they're going for, based on the outline. Pretty interested in seeing how Sivana turns out. The visual stuff in the trailers like the transformation stuff is really good, so the description of some of the action scenes sounds promising. It sounds better than the trailers have made it out to be so far.

I hate those boots, though. That's a hard pass. They kept the short cape and the gauntlets, they should have kept the old swashbuckler boots, too. And in some lighting, the gold parts that are supposed to look metallic kind of look plastic. They can probably touch that up. Apart from that I think the costume is pretty good.

[drgon78]

I am not a fan of the new 52 stuff but there are a few good ideas and this version of Dr. Sivana is one of them.

[Sumac]

Especially when dealing with stories that are ultimately not supposed to be funny. Like super-hero stories. They're not funny. Most of them are about averting the apocalypse in some way. That isn't funny. I don't see the joke.
Yeah, men in bright tights and women in bikini armor averting end of the world from the crazy scientists, psychotic aliens and whatnot is an pinnacle of dramatic writing. :lol:

[Leo656]

In another thread, I (correctly, it seems) assumed that you are one of those, "It's silly dumb junk, therefore the movies should also be silly dumb junk" types, and you denied feeling that way. Now, you confirm it. Pick a side and commit to it.

It's silly to have such strong opinions about a genre you apparently look down on.

Also, those of us who actually read comics could tell you all about what kinds of great stories exist within the medium, but it would be a waste of time, so I won't.

I'm the "elitist", though. :roll: Silly.

[Sumac]

In another thread, I (correctly, it seems) assumed that you are one of those, "It's silly dumb junk, therefore the movies should also be silly dumb junk" types, and you denied feeling that way. Now, you confirm it. Pick a side and commit to it.

It's silly to have such strong opinions about a genre you apparently look down on.

Also, those of us who actually read comics could tell you all about what kinds of great stories exist within the medium, but it would be a waste of time, so I won't.

I'm the "elitist", though. :roll: Silly.
Too many assumptions make you an ass, don't you know?

That aside, I don't look down upon the genre of comic book movies or comic books.
I know that there are a lot of good works, but denying that fundamentally a LOT of the comic book stuff hinges on absurd and ridiculous concepts and pretending that people ALWAYS should take them 100% seriously is ridiculous.

Like a guy who dresses as a bat for example. Yeah, there are a lot of good stories about Batman that dwell deep into psychology of the characters and stuff. But at the end of the day its a ****ing story about guy who dresses as a bat and fights themed psychos. You can't pretend that it is not ridiculous at its core.

It's just instead of 'sperging "how dare you not to take muh comic books seriously!" you can figure out that, it is entirely possible to understand ridiculous concepts behind them and at the same enjoy the story.

It's the same thing with TMNT - it's a story about four humanoid turtles rised by a rat, fighting against guy who covers himself in cheese graters, leading a clan with a hilarious name.
It would be rather hilarious to convince me, or anyone else for that matter, that such premise is anything but parody-tier. Yet, it doesn't mean that it should effect your or anyone else's enjoyment of stories about them.

TL;DR
You can acknowledge that premise of the story is ridiculous and still admire the story itself.
Like most adequate people do.

[Leo656]

I see what you're saying and agree to a certain point, but I still think that at times you're needlessly provocative and that it undermines your position on many of your points, be they entertainment-related or otherwise.

And I generally try not to assume anything about anyone, I just work with what they give me. If you're sincerely not a person who strives to condescend, I feel obligated to point out that at times, you do quite the convincing impression of one who does. Whether that's intentional or not, I truly have no idea. Many people here believe your main goal on the forum is merely to incite; that's the impression each of them has independently formed and in turn expressed to me, based on how you've spoken to or at them. I know you don't care, nor would I ask you to, but I feel like pointing out that if anyone's "assumptions" about your character are wrong, that they too are simply working with whatever data you've presented to them.

I personally suspect that you like getting a reaction, and otherwise wouldn't bother posting a lot of what you do about things you only half-care about, but if you say that's not true, then fine, I guess I have to believe you. "May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house", and all that jazz.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

It's the same thing with TMNT - it's a story about four humanoid turtles rised by a rat, fighting against guy who covers himself in cheese graters, leading a clan with a hilarious name.
It would be rather hilarious to convince me, or anyone else for that matter, that such premise is anything but parody-tier. Yet, it doesn't mean that it should effect your or anyone else's enjoyment of stories about them.

We call that Crisler's Law around here...

[Andrew NDB]

Of all people, I never suspected Sumac would succumb to it (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Crisler%27s%20Law)...

[Sumac]

I personally suspect that you like getting a reaction, and otherwise wouldn't bother posting a lot of what you do about things you only half-care about, but if you say that's not true, then fine, I guess I have to believe you. "May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house", and all that jazz.
Someone who loves to provoke shouldn't point about it at other people.

Of all people, I never suspected Sumac would succumb to it (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Crisler%27s%20Law)...
Admitting absurdity of the premise shouldn't intervene with enjoyment from the story.

[Leo656]

l actually don't, I just speak my mind and am forever on the defensive against people who 1: Don't agree (which is technically fine), and 2: Firmly reject anything that challenges their pre-formed opinion and start insulting me for not sharing their views (which is NOT fine).

That's hardly provoking. The person who replies to the slings and arrows of others in a dismissive or even hostile manner may be hyper-defensive, but not a provocateur. I've never once in 15 years instigated anything around this place. Fan the flames once the fire's already lit? Sure, but we all do that.

Long story short, the person who pushes back, by definition, cannot be the instigator. I treat everyone exactly the same around here. You're projecting.

It would go a long way if you'd simply admit that you engage with me (and others) in a semi-antagonistic manner, and always have before we even "met", simply because you get a kick out of it. You wouldn't be the first or last to poke me just to see sparks. I'm used to it. But I don't respect the "I didn't provoke, you're just sensitive" routine. Again, you lashed out at me when I didn't even know you, when I wasn't here to reply or defend myself. You were reprimanded for it. We got off to a bad start, and years later we're still here. I'm just being honest: I have done my level best to be "neutral" with you until it became clear that you simply find it more fun to try and get my goat. If other people see it, it's not in my head.

We'll never be friends, but I only respect people who are honest. If your problem with me is because I'm "dismissive" or "elitist" or whatever else you've accused me of, you should know it's because I remain highly suspect of your intentions. Not because of your political views or your taste in movies or games or whatever. If I've sassed you, it's because you come off to me like a sh*t-disturber.

The burden of proof is on the accused, in this case, since many people feel even more strongly than I do about it. As I said once before, I've defended you many times. Why I bothered, given our interactions, I don't know. "It's what Christ would do," I guess is as good a reason as any.

I don't know, man. My PM box is completely full, so we can't hash it out in private. But I know I speak for everyone in saying that this thing with you and I has run its course, and it would be nice if it stopped ruining threads.

That's all I got. Other than, if you can find it in yourself to NOT call the above plea for sanity simply me "running away from an argument", I will find a way to buy you a drink. Your choice. Beer or vodka or anti-freeze or whatever the hell it is you people drink. I'll make it happen.

Meanwhile, I'm sure everyone would prefer this thread go back to talking about how ugly Captain Marvel's "boot" things are and how cheap the shoulder pads look. Y'know, things that matter. :lol:

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Leo, I think you're beating a dead horse. Or yelling at the clouds. Well, something like that. Ain't ever gonna happen. The sign is literally right there for EVERYONE to read.

[Sumac]

- snip -
The guy who spouts 50 shades of different **** and when called out, backtracks with "it's just irony, muh dude" reads me a lecture on how my intentions are suspect and dishonest. I'd find it funny, if it wasn't so sad.

Maybe when you get over your own ego we can talk normally, until than, I will take an immense pleasure by having fun at your expense, by seeing how you trip over your own ego, size of Jupiter.

[Allio]

Yeah, men in bright tights and women in bikini armor averting end of the world from the crazy scientists, psychotic aliens and whatnot is an pinnacle of dramatic writing. :lol:

there is nothing wrong with playing things straight, with things like TMNT the show is best when it is, the funniest part is when it is taken straight faced without chuckling.

Some of my favorite stories of recent years has been coming form Kamen Rider (Gaim, Ex-aid, and Build) and by concept alone it is hilarious but it being played straight is what really keeps the attention.

Sometimes you can get some deep characters like Kamen Rider Baron who is a Banana Knight and his dream of eleminating the concept of weakness by becoming the very idea of power that would crush any poor man's idea to usurp him, it's the same thought process that leads to those types of stories where a dictator would create a faux utopia by eliminating negative emotions

Show like the above can be silly at time by can still be taken serious because of it's writing are the best.

[Sumac]

Show like the above can be silly at time by can still be taken serious because of it's writing are the best.
That's what I am talking about: silly concept doesn't mean that the story itself should be silly.

[Leo656]

In defense of my ego: I'm undefeated in the Carolinas. Nobody else here can say that.

It's an astonishing 1-0 record, but it's gonna stand forever so long as I never go back.

GOD OF THUNDAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!:tcool::tcool::tcool:

[Leo656]

https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-story-spoilers-description-preview/

Nothing we don't already know, really. Just extended descriptions of scenes from the trailers, mostly.
I like the Black Adam tease that sets up that film, given that he's allegedly not in this film at all, besides being hinted at.

It's also not mentioned in this article, but other articles have come out where the filmmakers won't confirm or deny using a Fake Shemp in order to show a Cavill-less, chest-only "Superman" cameo, but according to test screenings that's a scene near the end of the film. Which sounds like a terrible idea (and allegedly didn't go over well at the aforementioned test screenings, either).

Altogether, it sounds alright but it still feels like Levi's just too much of a goof. My expectations for this one are moderate but hopeful, with the hopes for a much better and less "silly" sequel after the Black Adam film comes out. I imagine the plan has always been to do one movie each, and then the movie where they finally fight, which should be suitably epic if both of these films do alright. That will ultimately be an interesting contrast in styles, since this movie is very explicitly going for comedy and Black Adam... well... absolutely no room for comedy whatsoever in that. Especially if his film goes into all the stuff with Isis and all that. Really more "tragic horror" than anything.

Since it appears that he won't be in this one - at least not a major presence - I strongly feel that the Black Adam movie will be a "flashback prequel" similar to Wonder Woman, explaining the full story that The Wizard only hints at to Billy.

Which should be really cool to see. But it'll then take a delicate hand to weave this movie and that movie into a "balanced" movie that finally has them fight.

We shall see. Pretty sure I can guess what the long-term story they're planning is, and I'm looking forward to it. Those boots, though... blech! Fix that and we're good.

[Autbot_Benz]

uilJZZ_iVwY

[drgon78]

This movie looks like it will be a lot of fun.

[Autbot_Benz]

Jim Vejvoda
‏Verified account @JimVejvoda
3m3 minutes ago

Zachary Levi was born to play #Shazam He delivers lots of laughs alongside co-star Jack Dylan Grazer. The film packs some big surprises for comics buffs and offers enough mainstream appeal to win over new fans. Shazam’s strengths definitely outweigh its weaknesses.

[Autbot_Benz]

http://collider.com/shazam-reviews/?utm_campaign=collidersocial&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter#images

Everyone is loving Shazam so far

[ZariusTwo]

GYmF_bMohmE

[Turo602]

Just saw Shazam. It was pretty good. Shazam lends himself pretty well to humor and it was done really well without compromising the serious moments of the film, except for maybe one scene that was addressing a supervillain trope in the middle of a fight for comedic effect. I'm still not the biggest fan of Zachery Levi as Shazam but whatever, the film works. It wasn't amazing but it does have heart. I liked it a little more than Captain Marvel. There was a couple of surprises I didn't see coming at all, and there was a mid and post credits scene so stay for both.

[neatoman]

I haven't bothered much with the character since the official name change. How do writers get around Shazam being both his name and the code word for the transformation? How can he say "My name is Shazam" without turning back into Billy?

[Leo656]

I don't get that either. Granted, I haven't read much DC since the New 52 disaster.

I assume it's one of those, "The gods somehow understand whether or not he's saying the word with intent" kinda things. Which is stupid, but it's really all they can feasibly come up with.
----------

The reviews for this are giving me "Ragnarok" flashbacks, in that, they're all positive, BUT, more or less saying "It's great when it tries to be a goofy comedy, and bad when it tries to be a super-hero movie". And whenever I watch the trailers, I'm loving the parts that are played straight (like the transformation scene when he jumps off the roof, for example) but the "funny" bits are just cringe.

You cannot do Shazam/Captain Marvel without SOME humor, it's always been more lighthearted than most super-hero fare, but my fears were that it would be overdone and misplaced, and that seems to be the case. At least based on what the critics are saying.

I'm generally used to Cap being the "straight man" and the situations around him being what's absurd, but the trailers all make him out to be a total clown, which I don't care for. I'll probably like it fine, but going by the reviews, I have no idea how this one is ever gonna reconcile with a "Black Adam" movie down the road. Black Adam is a character who literally rips people in half for mildly annoying him, so his eventual film should by rights be pretty dark. I'm not sure how the two movies would flow into a team-up (or "Vs.", rather) movie that was anything less than complete tonal whiplash from scene-to-scene.

I'll probably go see it when I get paid but I'm not expecting more than a B+ out of it. I wish they'd used Jerry Ordway's stuff as the base rather than the New 52.

[Autbot_Benz]

Shazam Certifed Fresh at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

Its higher than Captain Girl Power

[Autbot_Benz]

Going to see Shazam in 3d because my movie theater's 2d showings don't work for me timewise

[ZariusTwo]

Seeing it bright'n'early tomorrow.

[Vicky82]

I'm seeing it on Saturday.

[Andrew NDB]

Just saw Shazam. It was pretty good. Shazam lends himself pretty well to humor and it was done really well without compromising the serious moments of the film, except for maybe one scene that was addressing a supervillain trope in the middle of a fight for comedic effect. I'm still not the biggest fan of Zachery Levi as Shazam but whatever, the film works. It wasn't amazing but it does have heart. I liked it a little more than Captain Marvel. There was a couple of surprises I didn't see coming at all, and there was a mid and post credits scene so stay for both.

Are the surprises good surprises?

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Just saw this movie- and it was AWESOME! Loved every minute of it, the movie was just so much fun. The Sivana scenes were really dark, the stuff with Freddy and Captain Marvel was hilarious, and I just love how the Marvel family interacted with each other in the foster home. This really was a feel good super-hero movie should be, and the hints towards Black Adam, the Crocodile men, and Mister Mind. Loved, loved, LOVED this movie- I don't care if it's based on the new 52 version, well worth the price of admission. If this, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman are the future of the DCEU, sign me up!

[Turo602]

Are the surprises good surprises?

It's hard to say considering I didn't follow the build up and rumors of this movie, so maybe they're not surprises. But I definitely wasn't expecting them. But one of those surprises, yes, definitely good and it happens at the end of the movie. The other surprise was just something I didn't expect to see in this movie and caught me off guard. I don't really follow Shazam in the comics either, so again, maybe not a surprise for most.

[Andrew NDB]

Do we, in fact, see Cavill as Superman? Are the after credits stuff anything significant? Black Adam cameo?

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Do we, in fact, see Cavill as Superman? Are the after credits stuff anything significant? Black Adam cameo?

Black Adam was mentioned, he was in a flashback to ancient Egypt, but wasn't mentioned by name, just a former successor to Shazam who betrayed him; but Black Adam was responsible for releasing the seven deadly sins. Superman appears in a shot at the end, but the camera cuts off at the neck. So no, it's definitely not Cavill.

[Turo602]

Do we, in fact, see Cavill as Superman? Are the after credits stuff anything significant? Black Adam cameo?

Yeah, Superman appears but not Cavill. Just a shot of a body wearing the suit. But the scene worked, trust me. No Black Adam cameo. The mid-credits scene was a sequel set up with a f*cking talking caterpillar. The post credits scene is just an Aquaman joke.

[neatoman]

The mid-credits scene was a sequel set up with a f*cking talking caterpillar.

Mister Mind, the magic caterpillar from the planet Venus.

[drgon78]

Saw it yesterday and enjoyed it.

[ZariusTwo]

Just got back from SHAZAM

Admittedly, I think Levi sucked at the comedy, and played the early stages a little too obnoxiously, the kid playing Billy seemed way more mature in between all of that even if he was acting a bit distant to the others. The foster father cracked me up with a lot of his scenes, to the point that I really felt it when even his tempers got raised at Billy's behaviour. I agree with the sentiments that for a lighter hearted DC movie, there's still a lot of dark touches to it and plenty of death. I actually teared up when the Marvel Kids transformed, as I grew up watching the Filmation cartoon so it hit me right there. I suppose the plush tiger was the movie's way of working around Tawny?

I think Freddy absolutely stole the movie for me, he had such a great role micro-managing Billy, giving him the lowdown on superhero 101, and had his moments of weakness too such as losing it with Billy over showboating and cracking under duress to Sivana, only to redeem himself once powered up.

Way better than the other Captain Marvel movie

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

My usual movie buddy asked if I wanted to go see Shazam this weekend. I opted to wait to go see Hellboy next week instead.

I'm sure I'll see this eventually, but I just can't get excited about it. I don't care about the characters (even though the trailers look fine), and it's not like WB/DC is building to Justice League 2 or whatever, so why bother?

[ZariusTwo]

and it's not like WB/DC is building to Justice League 2 or whatever, so why bother?

Who the hell cares about building to another lousy team movie? That's virtually all the competition's movies do at the expense of an actual plot

It's a good movie. Watch it.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Who the hell cares about building to another lousy team movie? That's virtually all the competition's movies do at the expense of an actual plot

It's a good movie. Watch it.

Zarius is right! This movie is amazing! If you like upbeat superhero movies, that are the opposite of Snyder dark and gritty, this movie is for you! Forget what movies link together into some super-duper-mega-crossover-event, the recent DC movies have been incredible!

Sheesh, I miss superhero movies that stand alone. :(

[Andrew NDB]

the recent DC movies have been incredible!

What other recent ones? You mean Aquaman and Justice League? Of the two of them, only one of them is decent... the other one... yikes!

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

What other recent ones? You mean Aquaman and Justice League? Of the two of them, only one of them is decent... the other one... yikes!

Aquaman and Wonder Woman.... I pretend Justice League doesn't exist! :lol:

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Aquaman and Wonder Woman.... I pretend Justice League doesn't exist! :lol:

A sound strategy. :tlol:

Who the hell cares about building to another lousy team movie? That's virtually all the competition's movies do at the expense of an actual plot

It's a good movie. Watch it.

Do you know why building to other movies is important in this case? It makes it harder to skip movies for characters you don't care about. I don't care about Aquaman, but he was one of the only good parts of Justice League, so I went and saw it. I didn't used to care about Captain America, but he was good enough in Avengers that I got hooked.

If I don't care about Shazam, but I know he's going to be interacting with characters I DO care about (and no, three seconds of not even Henry Cavill don't count) in the future, I'll see it. As it is, it appears to be a one-off that is probably decent, but there's not enough "hook" for me to go watch it.

Denigrate Marvel all you want, but you can't deny that their business strategies are sound and working.

[Andrew NDB]

Denigrate Marvel all you want, but you can't deny that their business strategies are sound and working.

Which is why I want the DC counterpart to it. Like, if the MCU is iPhone, I want to see the DCEU rise to the occasion and become Android. Properly. Become true competition. It'll make for a more competitive atmosphere that might even yield better movies from both sides.

But they have to actually bother to try. This was exactly what they wanted to do... until they didn't, ejecting at the first sign of trouble.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Which is why I want the DC counterpart to it. Like, if the MCU is iPhone, I want to see the DCEU rise to the occasion and become Android. Properly. Become true competition. It'll make for a more competitive atmosphere that might even yield better movies from both sides.

But they have to actually bother to try. This was exactly what they wanted to do... until they didn't, ejecting at the first sign of trouble.

Agreed. I get Leo's position that "second to market is second place", but the market will eventually right itself and align with the better product.

And true competition lends itself to better products. Always.

[ZariusTwo]

$24.9 million so far

https://www.newsarama.com/44642-shazam-off-to-24-9m-start-globally.html

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

$24.9 million so far

https://www.newsarama.com/44642-shazam-off-to-24-9m-start-globally.html

Which is already about a quarter of the production budget

[Andrew NDB]

Only 9 of that 25 is domestic.

[Autbot_Benz]

My Movie theater has **** times for Shazam only 3 for 2d and 1 for 3d.

****ing Dumbo has more showtimes than this movie

[Leo656]

I might end up seeing it this weekend. The reviews have me nervous, along with the glowing endorsements from people who I generally agree with about nothing at all. But it doesn't look terrible or even bad, just like it tries way too hard and I have a feeling that it will grate on my nerves at times. I like the character a lot, but seeing him turned into a clown just to sell a few more tickets is disheartening. "Wisdom Of Solomon", my ass.

I heard that the"Not-Cavill" scene went over like a wet fart at the test screenings. God, what petty nonsense. I f*cking hate Warner Bros.

Anyways, might try and squeeze it in this weekend. We'll see.

[Donatello19]

Saw this yesterday and went back a second time today...great movie, I loved every minute of it. Definitely the best of the DCEU if you ask me

[Vicky82]

I saw this yesterday and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't planning on seeing it as from seeing the trailers, I felt it was too silly for me and I don't know much about Shazam/Captain Marvel, I only know a little bit about him from watching Young Justice. But I changed my mind and decided to go see anyway and I glad I did, as it was awesome.

Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Shazam are my favourite DC movies.

[Andrew NDB]

Saw this yesterday and went back a second time today...great movie, I loved every minute of it. Definitely the best of the DCEU if you ask me

I don't know who you are but that is high praise.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I find it an appalling statement of the state of the DCEU that a second or third-tier character like Shazam (Captain Marvel) could possibly be anyone's favorite.

Maybe that just speaks really highly to the quality of this particular movie, but I can't help but see it as a criticism of how badly people view Batman and Superman in the DCEU so far.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

I find it an appalling statement of the state of the DCEU that a second or third-tier character like Shazam (Captain Marvel) could possibly be anyone's favorite.

Maybe that just speaks really highly to the quality of this particular movie, but I can't help but see it as a criticism of how badly people view Batman and Superman in the DCEU so far.

Shazam/Capitan Marvel has been my favorite DC character for years. I grew up reading Jerry Ordway's POWER OF SHAZAM comic in the 1990's, and it was my favorite comic. Superman and batman were as boring as cardboard to me at the time. I loved how lighthearted and fun the Marvel family was in the 'grim and gritty' 90's.

And Shazam/Captain marvel is not second or third tier. He once outsold superman in the 40;s, and even though his popularity faded long ago, it's not too much of a stretch to think he would become popular once again. If he becomes DC's top tier character again, and he replaced superman as one of the big three. :)

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Shazam/Capitan Marvel has been my favorite DC character for years. I grew up reading Jerry Ordway's POWER OF SHAZAM comic in the 1990's, and it was my favorite comic. Superman and batman were as boring as cardboard to me at the time. I loved how lighthearted and fun the Marvel family was in the 'grim and gritty' 90's.

And Shazam/Captain marvel is not second or third tier. He once outsold superman in the 40;s, and even though his popularity faded long ago, it's not too much of a stretch to think he would become popular once again. If he becomes DC's top tier character again, and he replaced superman as one of the big three. :)

I think Shazam replacing Superman is unlikely, but hey, lucky you, dude. You got your favorite character in a good movie! :tsmile:

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

I think Shazam replacing Superman is unlikely, but hey, lucky you, dude. You got your favorite character in a good movie! :tsmile:

Repacing superman as an icon? yeah, you're right. But I think they might use him im place of Superman in future DCEU projects, due to the way they ruined superman for this universe. We can get a good superman film come the next reboot several years down the line!

[TigerClaw]

Saw it yesterday and thought it was really good. Its one of the best DCEU movies at the moment.

[sdp]

This movie seems very 50/50 when it comes to people's opinion, i think that's interesting.

My Movie theater has **** times for Shazam only 3 for 2d and 1 for 3d.

****ing Dumbo has more showtimes than this movie

Disney puts pressure on the movie theaters and they have to follow even if not many want to see Dumbo, they don't want to anger the mouse before Avengers4.

[Leo656]

Repacing superman as an icon? yeah, you're right. But I think they might use him im place of Superman in future DCEU projects, due to the way they ruined superman for this universe. We can get a good superman film come the next reboot several years down the line!

Ruined by making him consistent with his comic book portrayal?

You have several Bad Opinions, sir.

Anyways, didn't go, wife insisted on watching WrestleMania instead. Maybe this week. Not sweating it.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Ruined by making him consistent with his comic book portrayal?

You have several Bad Opinions, sir.

Anyways, didn't go, wife insisted on watching WrestleMania instead. Maybe this week. Not sweating it.

I meant ruined by not keeping his character consistent, and changing his personality in Justice league. His portrayal in MoS and BvS was decent, and at least internally consistent in those two films.

[Leo656]

Oh I can sort of agree with that for sure.

I mean when he came back to life in the comics he definitely had a renewed sense of optimism and all that, but the Justice League movie fast-forwarded it a bit too much.

His arc in the films was always supposed to be an organic progression of growing into the role over time, but it was indeed rushed through and ruined because people had no patience for character development. I agree with that. He was my favorite part of Justice League but it all felt very corporate-mandated and a bit false.

I could just see/hear Whedon just off camera during the scene with Cyborg yelling "C'mon, LAUGH! Laugh HARDER! WE WON'T HIT A BILLION DOLLARS UNLESS YOU LAUGH!":lol:

[Andrew NDB]

Opening weekend domestically, Shazam made only 14 million less than Aquaman... and on half of Aquaman's budget. Probably good tidings for Shazam 2.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Opening weekend domestically, Shazam made only 14 million less than Aquaman... and on half of Aquaman's budget. Probably good tidings for Shazam 2.

Maybe that Black Adam movie will actually finally happen.

How do Shazam fans feel about that movie, anyway? Excited? Pissed that the Rock is holding out for lead in the movie instead of showing up to fight Shazam in this movie?

[Autbot_Benz]

Maybe that Black Adam movie will actually finally happen.

How do Shazam fans feel about that movie, anyway? Excited? Pissed that the Rock is holding out for lead in the movie instead of showing up to fight Shazam in this movie?

Actually The Rock said on a facebook Video last night they originally wanted to have both Black Adam and Shazam in the same movie but because of the mythology and both of the origins Rock talked to Toby Emmrich and told him it would be easier to split it into two movies.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Actually The Rock said on a facebook Video last night they originally wanted to have both Black Adam and Shazam in the same movie but because of the mythology and both of the origins Rock talked to Toby Emmrich and told him it would be easier to split it into two movies.

Uh huh. Sure. Just like the Rock had nothing to do with his character spinning off into a standalone Fast and Furious 11. Or 10. Or whatever number they're on now, I honestly cannot remember.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Not that this is a spoiler, but an Easter egg nobody else caught; Did anyone notice among the objects on the rock of eternity, a strange-looking rod with an ibis on the top? That is the Ibis-stick, the magic rod of the wizard Ibis the Invincible. He was a hero in the golden age Fawcett comics, who had a strip that ran in Captain marvel original series. Surprised nobody else caught that.

[Leo656]

Uh huh. Sure. Just like the Rock had nothing to do with his character spinning off into a standalone Fast and Furious 11. Or 10. Or whatever number they're on now, I honestly cannot remember.

The truth is probably a mix of A and B.

Rock is definitely "A Star", and thus commands a star's role and payday, but at the same time, having read all the Spoilers (because I do that), this movie already sounds very densely packed, but not in a bad way. But the Shazam/Captain Marvel lore is already very large, there's a lot to establish right out of the gate, and it sounds like the movie was very faithful to most of it. Beyond that, Black Adam wasn't the first or even necessarily the "main" Captain Marvel villain; Sivana and Mr. Mind should logically each have their "turn" before Black Adam gets his. Having him in this movie would have been Too Much, for sure. And it wouldn't do right to bench Sivana given that he's technically more of the "main villain" for the series.

It makes absolute perfect sense for Black Adam to have his own movie first, because once more, there's a lot of real estate to cover. Sometimes he isn't even technically a "Shazam Villain"; he goes long stretches of time where he operates as an independent character, doing his own thing, and the two characters often go long periods where they hardly interact. He's far more than just a palette-swap of Captain Marvel, so I'm glad that the character is going to get the necessary room to breathe. Allegedly they're also going to use the movie to introduce Hawkman. Neat!

My concern is simply one of tone. By all accounts, "Shazam!" is a straight-up comedy. Black Adam is a character who habitually tears people in half for annoying him. If anything, his film should be played super-straight and dark, almost horror at certain points. Now, if they do that, how they plan to reconcile that movie and this one for the inevitable Vs. movie, I have no idea. Not saying they CAN'T do it, but it will be a challenge. And if they make "Black Adam" a comedy I may need to light someone on fire.

Anyway, yeah, I think the way they're handling it is ultimately for the best. I do not like The Rock but Black Adam is the role he was born to play, so I'm actually quite looking forward to that.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

In my opinion, WB/New Line made one big mistake with this movie; releasing it in the gap between Captain Marvel/endgame. It's box office is being hurt by being in the shadow of these two giants, and Shazam should have come out later in the year. Marvel is taking a HUGE break after Far from home, why not put this movie around the holiday season? It has christmas theming in the movie anyway!

[Andrew NDB]

In my opinion, WB/New Line made one big mistake with this movie; releasing it in the gap between Captain Marvel/endgame. It's box office is being hurt by being in the shadow of these two giants, and Shazam should have come out later in the year. Mrvek\l is taking a HUGE break after Far from home, why not put this movie around the holiday season? It has christmas theming in the movie anyway!

pfft. It's still got 2 weekends left before Endgame drops. That's an eternity and make or break time for movies.

[ZariusTwo]

78% drop, but a sequel is being fast-tracked

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/04/09/shazam-box-office-dwayne-johnson-zachary-levi-black-adam-dc-films-avengers-endgame/#a1c934069bad

[Andrew NDB]

78% drop, but a sequel is being fast-tracked

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/04/09/shazam-box-office-dwayne-johnson-zachary-levi-black-adam-dc-films-avengers-endgame/#a1c934069bad

Of course there's a 78% drop from a Sunday to a Monday. The test is what the drop will be after this next weekend. It's tracking to do just a bit less than Aquaman on half of the budget, so I don't see any need to worry.

[Autbot_Benz]

I just saw it. I enjoyed it. DC is making a comeback and getting rid of Micheal Bay 2.0 aka Snyder was a good start. Also Zach Levi is much more likeable than Captain Sourpuss

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Just saw it. While he's far from my favorite DC hero, and I honestly don't know much about him, I enjoyed this movie. Felt a little more like a "real" superhero would, with his (and everyone else's) reactions to the various situations and his new powers, as opposed to trying to be "gritty-real" or overly epic. I like when the movie is grounded but still manages to FEEL like the heroes "fit" into the world, and this did that nicely. Like, I can easily see most heroes taking selfies or signing things for fans, maybe even showing off a little. Maybe not Batman or other "dark" heroes, but Supes probably would. I liked how he handled the villain in the end, and wasn't ridiculously OP or whatever in the final battle, like some superhero movies have been.

Overall, what I liked best was that he still had flaws, and even learned something. Also, it's refreshing to see that DC can poke a little fun at their own universe, with various references to other movies/heroes. One of the funniest Easter eggs imo was the kid playing with the action figures- those who have seen it know which ones!

[Leo656]

Saw it in 3D on Saturday.

As a reasonably big fan of the character (although most of the material I own is post-1980s), I came away pretty impressed. I'm glad I read the Spoilers (particularly about the Third Act) because ALL the reviews I read were only concerned with talking about the comedy stuff, but I knew I needed to see certain things happen on the Big Screen and I wasn't disappointed.

I would've probably dialed the goofy stuff down about 10% and raised the stakes a little bit - the Seven Deadly Sins are typically, like, an Apocalyptic Event and yet their presence really never threatened to escalate beyond Something To Punch - but it gets a lot more Right than Wrong, which was a relief. They definitely completely threw Billy/Cap's personality out the window and started from scratch, but it worked in service to the story they were trying to tell and worked it into a character arc, so it's forgivable. If they JUST made him goofy for goofy's sake, that would be pretty bad, but without spoiling anything, since the movie makes it a point to illustrate at one point how irresponsible and juvenile he's behaving, it works as character development. The whole Spider-Man "Power and Responsibility" thing generally isn't part of the story, but for the sake of a movie that they have to sell to people who aren't familiar with the material, it was fine.

I was frankly a bit shocked at how much was going on in this one. Not just plot-wise, although it definitely is packed - leaving Black Adam out and waiting for the sequel was DEFINITELY a good choice - but also how different it was from expectations. For a movie that critics have been proclaiming as "family-friendly fun", there's a surprising amount of violence and cursing. None of which bothers ME, but I definitely wasn't expecting some of it in THIS movie.

On the whole, it was a lot more balanced than some people made it out to be, and I'm glad I read the Spoilers because otherwise I might have waited for the blu-ray. I'd rank it pretty high on my list of comic book movies in general. Very faithful to the source material (in MOST respects), lots of Easter eggs for those who would catch them, and they packed in a ton of the character's "lore". It's pretty jammed but there's still plenty to work with for sequels.

If I have any "complaint" (aside from the Fake Shemp they used for the "You-Know-Who" cameo just before the credits), it's that the music was good but merely serviceable. It's not bad at all but there's nothing that would really jump out at you, like no iconic or recognizable "Shazam" equivalent of the classic Superman theme, but maybe they'll get to that.

Good stuff, much better than I expected. Glad I didn't wait on it. There were only a handful of people in the theater, though. Hopefully it's doing well enough.

[ranger_scout]

Last weekend, my friend and I saw the movie. I thought it had a great blend of humor and fun with just a few dark moments as well. Levi was perfection as the lead and Mark Strong was a solid villain. Asher Angel was fine, but I do think that Jack Dylan Grazer did outshine him. Billy's foster siblings and parents were likable. The climatic battle was epic.

Seeing Billy's mom abandon him when he was so young was a tough scene.

[Leo656]

I wonder if in the sequel we'll see Billy get a job as a DJ/newscaster at Whiz Radio. Or maybe he'll have a podcast. I'unno, somethin'.

[Andrew NDB]

If I have any "complaint" (aside from the Fake Shemp they used for the "You-Know-Who" cameo just before the credits), it's that the music was good but merely serviceable. It's not bad at all but there's nothing that would really jump out at you, like no iconic or recognizable

Agreed. That was my only complaint coming out of it. This character/comic really lends itself well to getting a bold, iconic classical theme song to rev the engines... there was nothing here. The whole music score just seemed to busy itself with poking fun at other iconic superheroey themes (kind of doing... "sarcastic" superhero music the whole way through) so much that it never actually remembered to make one for itself. At least, anything memorable.

So yeah, saw the movie. Wow. That was a really well done movie. Solid script, nice kid actors, and everything was executed flawlessly. 90% of the jokes landed perfectly. Yeah, it's like "Big" meets the Raimi Spider-Mans.

[Leo656]

That whole third act was a shocker. It's like someone heard me say, "Y'know what they're DEFINITELY not gonna do right outta the gate...? And then they went ahead and threw it all in there.

Like I would've settled for Mary Marvel, I never in a million years expected that they'd throw the entire Marvel Family in for the very first movie.
I kinda wasn't sure they'd ever go there at all. Neat surprise.

As I've said, once I read the spoilers, I was like, "Holy sh*t, this I gotta see."

[ZariusTwo]

Shazam's sequel confirmed at CCXP

https://animesuperhero.com/shazam-2-announced-at-ccxp/

[drgon78]

I am happy it is getting a sequel especially since it didn't do as well as the other recent DC movies.

[Andrew NDB]

Set for April, 2022.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/warners-sets-shazam-2-for-april-2022/

Sheesh. So much for the hubbub about WB wanting to jump right into 2 because the kids are aging.

It's like every time a sequel is announced for a WB/DC movie, you think in your head, "OK, that should take them a year and a half, two years to see that," and then they throw an extra couple of years on top of that number.

[ranger_scout]

Details about the sequel have been announced with the cast and title.

https://deadline.com/2020/08/shazam-sequel-zachary-levi-david-f-sandberg-sinbad-asher-angel-meagan-good-jack-dylan-grazer-faithe-herman-adam-brody-dc-fandome-1203020790/