Arjan Lal

I understand why this film has the reputation that it does. The fact that the theatrical cut of this movie that most people saw was butchered upon the 3 hour cut's completion, coupled with how ambitious and arguably over-complicated the film is made it one of the most divisive films of 2016, especially since Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War' was released at around the same time of this film's release. However, like Kubrick's 'The Shining' and Carpenter's 'The Thing', after multiple viewings I can unapologetically say that I really love this film. It's ironic how this film's portrayal of the media, labelling Superman as an unholy pariah based on misunderstanding and political agendas mirrors the real world critical response to this film. I really can't blame the critics, as mentioned the theatrical cut of this film was butchered, but the 'Ultimate Edition' really is the definitive version of the film, reintroducing entire sub plots and scenes that help make the movie a more enjoyable viewing experience, provided it is given the proper attention. This film is not a popcorn flick but rather a very expensive art piece. At this point, you may be thinking "ugh, another misguided DC fanboy". Firstly, I am not biased against Marvel films, but rather I am biased against action comedies and much rather prefer the more grounded and realistic takes on these characters, regardless of where they come from; I will take this film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Avengers: Infinity War over Ant Man and the Wasp or Shazam every time. Secondly, just hear me out. This film does still have some problems, however most of the narrative issues I noticed upon my first viewing had faded or outright disappeared after watching a few times. In addition, you can find very comprehensive analyses of this film elsewhere online that just go to show how deep this rabbit hole of a film goes. The cinematography is top notch; I don't think I've seen a superhero movie where it is noticeable how beautiful a shot is. The score is incredible, but that goes without saying as it was composed by both Hans Zimmer and newcomer Tom Holkenborg. The acting is also great; Henry Cavill has definitely improved in regards to his acting talent since 'Man of Steel' and Ben Affleck may be the best on-screen version of the Dark Knight. It really is a damn shame that Snyder and Terrio were never allowed to see their creative visions through with Justice League. I wish I could say it was for the best, but it appears that DC films have settled for being formulaic action comedies. In today's superhero movie climate where DC and the more forgettable variety of Marvel movies are blending together, it is refreshing and at moments, liberating to re-watch this avant garde deconstruction of superhero films and go back to a time above, a time before.

Shazam! was a fun time if a little forgettable, predictable and formulaic. In fact, it blends in with some of Marvel's MCU movies; not the exceptional ones like Iron Man, The Winter Soldier or Civil War but more akin to the filler episodes like Thor Ragnarok and Ant Man and the Wasp. Plot synopsis: Introduce a bad guy who gets powers, show the good guy who also gets powers, the good guy learns the value of responsibility and defeats the bad guy in a big CGI battle, sprinkle in a few jokes, maybe some pop-culture references and roll credits with an obligatory mid credits scene. I'm not dying to watch it again, but if I spot on TV one day, I might not change the channel.