Shazam! is DC's second best film to date, falling squarely behind the likes of Wonder Woman. Thanks to strong special effects, a strong lead character arc, and plenty of heart, Shazam! is a major win for the studio. 

The visual effects are as you would expect from a blockbuster superhero film - which up to this point had been hit and miss with DC. Billy Batson spends much of the film searching for his birth mother, but finds that real family isn't just about blood. Cliche? Sure. But still incredibly relatable. Shazam! also pulls a play outta the Marvel playbook injecting humor into different sequences.

With plenty of action, humor, and heart, Shazam! is a good time at theater. Just try not to yell his name while sitting to close to someone else. 

Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 1