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MY SUN DAY NEWS

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Shazam – stay home

By Tom Sansom

The Hollywood studios grind out super hero movies as fast as they can. And why not, regardless of the quality or content they gross tons of money, sometimes from curiosity seekers but mostly the younger generation who fall for these irrespective of any reasonable standards. As long as they are full of special effects and a modicum of a plot, they’re good to go. Case in point the recent release of Captain Marvel, and now Shazam. Captain Marvel was two hours of special effects with a ridiculous story line woven in; Shazam admittedly has a better story but once again special effects carry the day. The irony in all of this is when I was a kid, Captain Marvel was a comic book icon, little Billy Baston would utter the word “Shazam” and instantly become the super hero, with talents and skills akin to Superman. Now Captain Marvel is a woman and yes Billy Baston exists, utters the same magic word, but his name is simply just that Shazam. You may wonder why I even go to these, as am I. On the other hand how else can I forewarn you? So I am taking a pledge today, no more super hero movies (that is until the release of the sequel to Wonder Woman if and when).

As I pointed out in my review of Captain Marvel, it took Brie Larson two hours to actually become the super hero, and then the movie was over. In this case it takes Zachary Levi over an hour to reach his status, probably one of the worst hours I have spent. The script writers were totally lost trying to establish the origin of Shazam. I considered walking out several times, but hadn’t quite finished the popcorn so I hung in.

Shazam

Entertainment Rating: ★

Rating: PG-13: lots of comic book action, one or two minor profanities

Possible Oscar Nominations: None

I usually take a moment or two after the movie ends to ask folks around me what they thought. I get a strange look or two once in a while, but the folks are a better source than the movie rating specialists, who by now are so jaded in their write ups, they think the sun sets on their views. To be fair, I talked to eight people, all of them gave the movie thumbs up, including four seniors, who no doubt do not live here with the intelligentsia. The movie had a rollicking and somewhat humorous ending, probably coloring their opinion.

The highlights of the movie for me were the scenes including Billy Baston’s best friend Freddy Freeman, played by Jack Dylan Glazer, he did an exceptional job. Freddy walked with a crutch and was regularly shunned by his high school peers and picked on by a couple of bullies. Watching them get their comeuppance was also entertaining.

If you are determined to see this film, do yourself a favor and come in at the middle, that way you’ll  miss the first horrible hour, and be able to pick the story right up.

tsansom2002@gmail.com





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