The newest addition to the DC cinematic universe combined humor, action, and family fun in a coming-of-age origin story surrounding the superhero Shazam. Not quite as well known as the iconic Superman or Batman, I came into this film not quite knowing what to expect. The uniqueness of Shazam stems from the juxtaposition that the hero is actually young boy named Billy Batson who transformed into the mighty figure simply saying the name “Shazam!”
After invoking that name, Billy gains the powers of six ancient heroes: The wisdom of Solomon; the strength of Hercules; the stamina of Atlas; the power of Zeus; the courage of Achilles; and the speed Mercury. Initially, I thought the movie was going to be cheesy and over the top.
Not only was I pleasantly surprised, I believe Shazam! has been a tremendous win for the DCCU. The character of Billy Batson/Shazam had more depth than Superman and the comedy was well placed and a delight throughout the movie. Both Asher Angel (Billy) and Zachary Levi (Shazam) provided enjoyable transitions between boy and hero.
Along with the titular character, the supporting “heroes” Batson’s foster family added a warming and uplifting element. Running from foster home to foster home, the beginning of the movie saw Batson struggle with finding his place in this world. Shazam! showed that family is not necessarily by blood, but rather by bond.
The antagonist of the film was Shazam’s first foe in the comics—Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. Rejected as worthy to champion the powers of Shazam, Sivana harbored a grudge over this his entire life. Seeking to take the wizard’s power himself, Sivana steals the Eye of Sin. As a result, he unleashes the seven deadly sins and becomes their champion.
Any superhero fan will find Shazam entertaining with a solid plot, great comedy, and an endearing hero. Catholics will find additional value in Shazam as the fight over evil literal is over sin itself! What is in a name? In the case of Shazam, it literally gives a teenager superhuman abilities to fight villains. According to Christianity, the exists power in the name of Jesus, provides power, the power to ward off the Enemy (cf Luke 10:17)!
Another Christian theme in this film was recognizing one’s full potential. An orphan running from foster home to foster home, Billy had a tough upbringing. Without a stable role model, it could be easy to give up hope. Nevertheless, the wizard looked past Billy’s shortcomings. Despite Batson’s childhood letdowns, he never gave into resentment for his mother not searching for him after he got lost in a carnival. In our faith journey, how easy it is to turn toward sin and focus inward?
Dr. Sivana also had a less than ideal childhood. Disparaged frequently his father and brother, Thaddeus was told that he would never reach his full potential. What distinguished Sivana from Batson was his approach to the suffering. Instead of channeling that suffering for good, Sivana fell prey to the allure of sin.
This film also did a good job of focusing on how help from others (in the form of Batson’s foster family) sustains a person in the darkest of times. Sivana’s aversion to seeking out help in other people originated from his family’s constant criticism. Shazam! reminded me the importance of family. According to Saint Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, “The historical situation in which the family lives therefore appears as an interplay of light and darkness.” Billy’s ability to forgive and move past the hurt his family caused allowed him to acquire his full potential. Contrariwise, Sivana’s inability to forgive his family prevented him from living freely.
Running 2 hours and 12 minutes in length Shazam!’s plot moved nicely. The juxtaposition between young and “older” Billy provided a nice change of pace. My only real critique of the film was that the villain lacked a bit of depth. His backstory could have been fleshed out in a couple of more scenes to add meat to his character.
Overall, Shazam! was a delight to watch. I strongly encourage you to watch this film as soon as possible. The most powerful message is that its reminder to the world that family is found in the people we choose to love and that even the most “unworthy” of people can be given a chance at greatness!
Shazam! is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material.
Matt Chicoine
Matthew Chicoine is a free-lance writer, a life-long Catholic, and an avid truth seeker. He earned an M.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2014 and enjoys binge reading Tolkien, Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, Fulton Sheen and comic books. Visit his blog at https://thesimplecatholic.