The Shazam Origin story back in the Golden Age doesn’t look like something that should be on the big screen. Thankfully, Geoff John’s version is less controversial; I don’t think anyone should feed a tiger, even if it’s domestic. As for the Shazam movie co-written by Johns, no real or CGI tigers show up; but that doesn’t mean it’s any less good. Welcome to another segment of when adaptations do better than their sources. Spoilers ahead!
Holey Moley! I’m Doing Shazam Again
Shazam is by far the best movie in the DCEU; not the highest bar to clear, but at least the studios listen to fans. After going through tons of ideas and delays, it all culminates into something that translates to DC. No, not constant retcons, just plain old fun. Despite Zachary Levi’s reservations, he seems to fit the role better than Dwayne Johnson. The Rock looks better as Black Adam as far as concept art goes.
Shazam Origin: Enhanced Edition
The origin story of Shazam by Geoff Johns is something that plays to the strengths of the creator. He reimagines a character for the modern age, all the while adapting to the outside forces. Originally with the name of Captain Marvel, after a case where Marvel Comics won, Shazam is the default name. With the new name comes a new chance of identity. Geoff Johns uses the concepts of hope and family to develop Billy Batson. Contrasting him with Black Adam enhances the experience. Tawky Tawny also remains a vital part of Billy’s identity by connecting him with his late parents. All the warm parts of the Silver Age mixes with modern storytelling.
But with a compressed storyline, there isn’t enough room to tell a fully coherent story. Other than Freddy, most of the kids in the foster home are more like decorations. Not to mention Billy doesn’t make the best first impressions, almost sticking to the Dark Age of comics. So to fix all of that, Henry Gayden with permission from Johns decides to make the themes more relevant. David Sandberg’s directing however brings the story to life.
Billy the Hopeful
Billy unlike the comics, isn’t a depressed loner, just a kid who desperately wants to find his mom. He feels he can find her after the last gift she gave Billy. However, adults are quick to see that Billy’s mom doesn’t want to be found. But for a kid who never received the necessary closure, Billy did whatever it took to find her. This makes it all the more heart-breaking when he finds a hard truth about his mother. After a life of bad decisions, she wants Billy to have a better life she can’t provide. Fortunately, Billy finds a family in his newer foster home.
The Shazam Family
While Freddy is still the member who shares the most screen time with Billy, he has the most personality. He’s a superhero fan who like Billy has faith that things can be better. In fact, that’s the reason Billy goes to Freddy after becoming Shazam. The Wizard doesn’t tell Billy how to use his powers; so he has to open up to someone else. Freddy even serves as the ideal sidekick, someone who helps keep the hero down to Earth. In fact unlike Johns’ run, the falling out between them is more personal. Even then, Freddy still helps out Billy and trusts him.
The other kids even get more development. Pedro is the one who finds out about Billy’s quest to find his mom. The shy and soft spoken kid wants to open up to others and decides to help his foster brother. So he asks the hacker of the family Eugene to track her down. Darla even proves herself trustworthy despite her talkative nature; she actually sees firsthand Billy’s transformation but keeps his secret. Mary meanwhile figures out who Shazam is and understands Billy’s good nature. All of this makes their transformation into the Shazam family well earned.
The Villainous Side
Then there’s Dr. Sivana, the movie’s primary villain. In the comics, Sivana wants to use magic to save his family in a number of desperate moves. In the movie though, his horrible family helps turn him into a villain. With no love or humility, it’s what causes him to get the power of the Seven Deadly Sins. In some cases, he’s almost sympathetic after a childhood of neglect and getting the blame. But he’s still a villain who always wants more than what he needs. Mark Strong’s performance even makes Sivana feel Shakespearian; Strong’s resume of playing villains practically made him perfect for the role. I mean he is the only part of the Green Lantern movie that people like.
The Seven Deadly Sins also highlight the cast’s struggles (it requires a keen eye); whether it’s a battle of dignity, or a display of growth. Everything highlights in Billy’s clash with Sivana and Envy. Like the comics, Billy goads a villain’s ego; but unlike the prideful Black Adam, Sivana is smart enough not to fall for tricks. Envy isn’t though, it’s even a sign of Billy conquering the need to find a family.
The Miscellaneous
Some other small differences are around. The Wizard is less hopeful and more desperate. Unlike the comics, his reencounter with Sivana forces him to accept Billy right off the bat. Still I feel this takes away a point from the comics where Billy gives him a pep-talk. It shows how Billy can inspire hope by looking past the surfaces. Here the wizard feels like a weak link.
Tawky Tawny does not make a physical appearance but tiger motifs appear. They represent the young Billy trying to reconnect with his mother; from a toy he could not get, to an emblem on his bag. Back at the carnival as Shazam, he gives a scared family the toy he couldn’t get to comfort them. Here Billy demonstrates his growth. Hopefully a sequel introduces Tawny though.
Finally there’s Mister Mind, the caterpillar villain who’s journey begins alongside Sivana’s. After escaping imprisonment when Sivana frees the sins, he hid in the shadows until Sivana was vulnerable. I can’t help but feel Black Adam won’t be appearing in the sequel; but the Monster Society of Evil just might. Geoff Johns is still working on that comic.
Is This Shazam Origin the Definitive Edition?
This movie is everything a DC fan needs. The humor is on point, it doesn’t spend time in deep dark places, and it makes a comic even better. Final score is 8.5/10.