{"id":3924,"date":"2019-04-09T02:00:45","date_gmt":"2019-04-09T09:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=3924"},"modified":"2019-04-12T14:47:58","modified_gmt":"2019-04-12T21:47:58","slug":"shazam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2019\/shazam\/","title":{"rendered":"Shazam! &#8211; Soars Far Above Other Superhero Movies Buoyed By Unique Direction And Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.poster.jpg?resize=152%2C225&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3926\" width=\"152\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.poster.jpg?resize=202%2C300&amp;ssl=1 202w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.poster.jpg?w=674&amp;ssl=1 674w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 152px) 100vw, 152px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We all have a superhero inside of us &#8212; it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson&#8217;s case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do &#8212; have fun while testing out his newfound powers. But he&#8217;ll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam&#8217;s magical abilities. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, \u201c<em>Shazam!<\/em> keeps up the strong footing of solo DC movies within the Extended Universe. It soars far above other superhero movies buoyed by a unique direction and story.\u201d Zoe C. adds, \u201c<em>Shazam! <\/em>is absolutely amazing. It\u2019s entertaining, funny, action packed and engaging. This is maybe the best DC Extended Universe movie so far.\u201d Benjamin P. wraps it with, \u201c<em>Shazam!<\/em> is a refreshing, rollicking good time with some hilarious comedy and great performances. <em>Shazam!<\/em> has tons of superhero fun, but also has a warm emotional center.\u201d See their &nbsp;reviews and interviews below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shazam!<br>By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shazam!<\/em> keeps up the strong footing of solo DC movies within\nthe Extended Universe. It soars far above other superhero movies buoyed by a\nunique direction and story. This is a must watch for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ebhx3aeYnSY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.h.jpg?resize=225%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3933\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.h.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.h.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.h.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.h.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The story follows street-smart foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who turns into an adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi) by yelling \u201cShazam!\u201d Courtesy of an ancient wizard, Billy revels this adult version of himself alongside foster pal Freddy (Jack Dylan Gratzer). Can he fly? Can he buy beer? Does he have X-Ray vision? Better yet, can he talk to fish? These scenarios are tested to their limits, but seriousness strikes as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) seeks to defeat Shazam and steal his powers. Billy realizes there\u2019s more to this than jokes, but also a test to prove what makes a hero. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, Zachary Levi\nowns it as Shazam with his natural comedic talent and physical prowess. He\nlooks the part with his Godlike figure, while nailing the childishness with\nbelievability. The same goes for Asher Angel, who plays Billy Batson with the\nsimilar youthfulness, but nails his quieter heroic actions. The transformation\nis so seamless that you can truly believe the two are playing off each other.\nBut, the cast\u2019s standout comes in Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy who proved his\ntalents in <em>IT<\/em>, but here he is even better. His conversations with\nBilly\/Shazam are so improvisational and random and they just work. Every line\nof his lands. The rest of the foster family, played by\nFaithe Herman (Darla), Ian Chen (Eugene),\nJovan Armand (Pedro) and Grace Fulton (Mary) are all incredible with each\nmember having their own unique characteristics. I especially love Darla\u2019s\ninnocent goodness and happiness to have Billy around. Mark Strong, as Thaddeus\nSivana, is a formidable foe with an apt back story. Still, I would have loved\nto see Strong saved for a bigger endgame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.f.jpg?resize=225%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3932\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.f.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.f.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.f.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.f.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>David F. Sanberg\u2019s\ndirection is superb, especially for his first action movie after a variety of\nsuccessful horror movies. He even flexes his horror muscles with some truly\nterrifying designs for Sivana\u2019s powers. My favorite scenes are Freddy\u2019s\ntraining montages as those are a true testament to the film\u2019s sense of humor.\nScenes like these are so unique in comparison to most superhero films. I also\nlove many of the heartfelt moments within Billy\u2019s quest to find family. I wish\nthe film had a bigger budget to make up for its action scenes, which could be\nfar-between and underwhelming. But, in a way that adds to the movie\u2019s freshness,\ngiving small scale looks at big fights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of this film is that family is found from loving and genuine\nexperiences, not in a word. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend\nit for ages 10 to 18 due to intense action sequences, brief suggestive content\nand language. The movie opens in theaters April 5, <sup>&nbsp;<\/sup>2019, so check it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shazam!<br>By Zoe Cannella, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic &nbsp;age 10<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lyMDIRWGOBg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shazam! <\/em>is absolutely amazing. It\u2019s entertaining,\nfunny, action packed and engaging. This is maybe the best DC Extended Universe\nmovie so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14-year\nold Billy Batson discovers, with the help of an ancient wizard, that he can\nturn into a Superhero just by saying the word: \u201cShazam!\u201d But Billy is not just\ndressed in a superhero outfit, he also looks older and big!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.e.jpg?resize=225%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3929\" width=\"225\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.e.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.e.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.e.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.e.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Converted\ninto Shazam, Billy, who lives with adopted parents, goes home and tells his\nfriend (or brother?) Freddy that he is Billy. Freddy loves super heroes and&nbsp;knows\neverything about them. Together they test Shazam\u2019s capabilities and surprise:\nhe is indeed a real superhero. As Shazam, Billy uses his super powers for good\nbut also for fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\nthink <em>Shazam!<\/em> makes the cinematic\nworld a better place. It is not just a hilarious comedy: it is about finding a\nfamily, making true friends and combating bullying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2yuQxhqJOD0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nacting in <em>Shazam!<\/em> is amazing. Zachary\nLevi is the perfect Shazam. He has the charisma and humor to make this big kid\nan adorable hero. Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer also make this movie very\nengaging: they are not just funny but also kind hearted. These actors totally\ncarry the film.&nbsp; I think all the actors in this film make it more relatable\nfor younger audiences and new generations. I definitely think that this movie\nis a unique superhero film, because usually that genre is more serious with\nonly a couple jokes. But this one kept me laughing. There\u2019s action and\nemotional moments as well. I feel the amount of comedy is perfect and what\nmakes this movie special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\ndirector David F. Sandberg surprised audiences as he is most known for his\nhorror films, but this one turned out to be an incredible and enthusiastic\nproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sX9VbxfWzXo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nstory works perfectly for the whole family, so I recommend it for ages 5 to18. I\nam a huge fan of this film: it made me laugh and kept me entertained the entire\ntime, and the visual effects are very good. I give <em>Shazam!<\/em> five out of five stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nmessage of the film is that we can all be heroes: it only takes a pure heart to\nhave the power and strength to do good deeds, help people and beat the bad\nguys. <em>Shazam!<\/em> opens in theaters on\nApril 5, 2019 so make sure to say the word and catch it in your favorite\ntheater!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shazam!<br>Benjamin Price, Kids First! Film Critic, Age 13<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yrqntOZrZys?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.a.jpg?resize=225%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3930\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.a.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.a.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.a.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.a.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shazam!<\/em> is a refreshing, rollicking good time with some\nhilarious comedy and great performances. <em>Shazam!<\/em> has tons of superhero\nfun, but also has a warm emotional center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The story line follows Billy Batson, a 14-year-old foster kid,\nwho moves in with a new family. Billy gains powers from a wizard who chooses\nhim to be his champion against the forces of evil. He can transform into a\npowerful superhero just by saying the word \u201cshazam.\u201d He and his foster brother\nFreddy test Billy\u2019s abilities to figure out the extent of his powers. Billy\nnavigates the ups and downs of being a sudden superhero, while also clashing\nwith Dr. Sivana, who is determined to take Batson\u2019s powers to rule the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I really like the performances in this film. Jack Dylan Grazer\nis good as Freddy. Grazer takes a comedic best friend and makes him much more\nthan a one-note sidekick. Zachary Levi is great as the super-powered version of\nBilly Batson. Levi channels the personality of a teenager very believably. His\nperformance is natural and I don&#8217;t feel like I\u2019m watching an adult try to play\na teen. Mark Strong hams it up as Dr. Sivana, but he\u2019s still quite frightening\nand a real threat to the characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.d.jpg?resize=225%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3928\" width=\"225\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.d.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.d.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.d.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.d.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shazam!<\/em> starts as an origin story, but ends up doing\nmore than that. Billy has always pushed the idea of family away and is more\nscared of accepting family than his powers. He has to embrace the idea of\nfamily to grow as a person and a hero. He realizes he can&#8217;t beat Sivana alone\nand what you gain from having people support and appreciate you. I think this\narc is heartwarming and a great direction for this film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the tone of this film. It\u2019s never self-serious and,\nrather than making the hero dark and brooding, <em>Shazam!<\/em> captures its\nheroes and their powers with a childlike wonder. This film understands that\nsuperheroes are people who we can look up to because, even though they are\nflawed, they always aspire to do the right thing. I love the stakes of this\nfilm. It does not rely on apocalyptic proportions to make you care about its\ncharacters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.c.jpg?resize=225%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3927\" width=\"225\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.c.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.c.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.c.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shazam.c.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend <em>Shazam!<\/em> For ages 12 to 18 due to some violence and language. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Although this film sometimes veers into predictable and clich\u00e9d territory, I came out of <em>Shazam!<\/em> with a smile on my face and excited to see what comes next from these characters. I highly recommend you check out this film when it comes out in theaters April 5, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Photos \u00a9 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all have a superhero inside of us &#8212; it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson&#8217;s case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do &#8212; have fun while testing out his newfound powers. But he&#8217;ll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam&#8217;s magical abilities. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, \u201cShazam! keeps up the strong footing of solo DC movies within the Extended Universe. It soars far above other superhero movies buoyed by a unique direction and story.\u201d Zoe C. adds, \u201cShazam! is absolutely amazing. It\u2019s entertaining, funny, action packed and engaging. This is maybe the best DC Extended Universe movie so far.\u201d Benjamin P. wraps it with, \u201cShazam! is a refreshing, rollicking good time with some hilarious comedy and great performances. Shazam! has tons of superhero fun, but also has a warm emotional center.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[166,207,212,209,210,208,205,87,206,211],"class_list":["post-3924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-arjun-nair","tag-asher-angel","tag-benjamin-price","tag-david-f-sandberg","tag-dc-universe","tag-jack-dylan-grazer","tag-shazam","tag-superhero","tag-zachary-levi","tag-zoe-cannella"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/saS5I2-shazam","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3924"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3954,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3924\/revisions\/3954"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}