Arguably the most entertaining effort in the DC Cinematic Universe to date, Shazam! is a light and breezy comic adaptation that is perfect summer viewing…even though it came out a few months ago. Yet it will hit home video just in time for the dog days when it is released on July 16th. The film chronicles the adventures of troubled Philadelphia teen and foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who becomes an adult-looking superhero (Zachary Levi) whenever he yells “Shazam!” While trying to get a handle on his newfound abilities–and becoming a viral media sensation in the process–the rookie do-gooder must try to stop Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), an evil physicist who wants Billy’s amazing powers for himself. Djimon Hounsou, Jack Dylan Grazer also star.
As you can see from the above trailer, Shazam! continues the tonal shift initiated by Wonder Woman and Aquaman to attempt to make the DC Comics-based movies less dark and more fun. Judging by the fan reaction and the film’s box office take — it brought in over $363,000,000 to date — lightening things up has been a wise choice. As a result, Shazam! is high-flying fun that will earn a welcome spot among the superhero movies in your home video library.
