Though the DC Extended Universe once proudly distinguished itself from the MCU with a bold “no jokes” policy, the Warner Bros-produced franchise has, little by little, been loosening up.
In large part, the shift has been a welcome one. Movie fans en masse have celebrated the bright and hopeful spirit of Wonder Woman and the fun-loving nature of AquamanOpens in a new tab, and it appears they’ve taken kindly to DCEU’s latest handiwork as well. On Thursday, the internet met with the first wave of reactions to Shazam!, an especially lighthearted DC propertyOpens in a new tab that has ostensibly given way to an appropriately goofy feature film.
By and large, the reactions are incredibly positive, cheering on Shazam!‘s willful sense of humor and positive nature. See for yourself below:
#ShazamOpens in a new tab is an absolute delight! Super vibrant, tons of heart & a great fun-loving vibe. The family element is a big charmer & so is the humor that comes with watching @ZacharyLeviOpens in a new tab explore his new powers. Said this after IT but it’s worth repeating – @JgrazerofficialOpens in a new tab is a star.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
#ShazamOpens in a new tab is a super-powered BIG & I LOVED every second of it. A colorful, vibrant, vital addition to the DCEU. Vivid character-driven action, heartrending central relationships & fully earned, totally satisfying emotional moments. Super hilarious. Super thrilling. Super awesome! pic.twitter.com/KelHZ5YzFqOpens in a new tab
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Shazam! is another win for DC. Sure, the humor & action you'd expect from a superhero film are there, but #ShazamMovieOpens in a new tab stands out because of the emotional, family story at its center. I had some small issues with the hero/villain aspects but the family stuff is dynamic & powerful pic.twitter.com/FYM3QVp5huOpens in a new tab
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
DC is finally building a solid run: #ShazamOpens in a new tab is a delight! Its familiar origin structure is forgivable because of all the new it brings to the table – primarily it’s gleeful, childlike enthusiasm, & heartfelt perspective on family. It’s also the role Zachary Levi was born to play. pic.twitter.com/5zXtfFDBGmOpens in a new tab
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
#ShazamOpens in a new tab was damn near PERFECT in my book. My FAVORITE DC movie (DCEU? What are we saying now?) by far. Pure of heart, incredibly funny, full of in-jokes and references. Brought me a childlike joy to watch. This role was MADE for @ZacharyLeviOpens in a new tab… & Jack & Asher & the entire cast pic.twitter.com/rVrxjcwvCeOpens in a new tab
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Which is why I am really pleased to report that the #ShazamOpens in a new tab movie absolutely nails it. It’s a really pleasant surprise, even funnier than the trailers make it look, and it has real, genuine heart.
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
As you can see, repeat mentions of cheer and humor suggest something very different from the DCEU’s inceptive era, even for those of us who enjoyed the more serious-minded Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. One particularly interesting consistency among the conversation is comparisons to ’80s family classics:
#ShazamOpens in a new tab is parts Home Alone, parts Big, a crowd pleasing family-friendly joy-filled wish-fulfillment superhero film which gets a bit over the top and cheesy at times. It’s fun and funny, and I was surprised at how much it wears it’s heart on its sleeve.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
#ShazamOpens in a new tab is a laugh-out-loud funny romp that captures the innocence and challenge of being both a superhero and a kid at once. It’s clever, fun and heroic with an obvious nod to 80s classics like Big, Ghostbusters, The Goonies etc. @joblocomOpens in a new tab @ShazamMovieOpens in a new tab
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
#ShazamOpens in a new tab is big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before. Definitely in the vein of Tom Hanks’ BIG, but with superhero action & lots of Batman and Superman references. I dug this film so much I wanted to give it a bear hug at the end. DC’s movies keep getting better pic.twitter.com/WQJgo61gMgOpens in a new tab
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Among general praise for the film’s good vibes, star Zachary Levi himself seems to have been called out as a particular highlight.
I absolutely loved #ShazamOpens in a new tab! It’s my favorite DC film yet. Zachary Levi as Shazam was perfect casting and the kids absolutely steal the show. It’s an amazing family movie with dope fight scenes and great humor! You guys are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/pZd5oORVA3Opens in a new tab
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Shazam! is the superhero film that you never knew you needed. Zachary Levi was born to play this role. Ridiculously entertaining & non-stop fun from start to finish. Loved every character & all of the pop culture references. This is what going to the movies is all about. #ShazamOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/SxCcCTy2ZBOpens in a new tab
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Shazam showcases Zachary Levi’s charm and charisma as an actor and has a heartfelt and inspiring message at its core. Despite the dark tone in parts, it ends up bringing about lots of laughs and fun for all. #shazamOpens in a new tab #shazammovieOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/nyK1fWgykEOpens in a new tab
— Ashley Menzel @ SXSW (@AshleyGMenzel) March 8, 2019Opens in a new tab
Sounds like they nailed this one, eh?
Images: Warner Bros.
