Film FreeQ: REVIEWS: DC Makes A New Splash (and Zap) with "Aquaman" and "Shazam!"

It's no secret by now that the initial theatrical efforts from DC Films (in an attempt to equal Marvel by creating its own cinematic universe) have been disappointing. And with the critical and financial failure that was 2017's "theatrical version" of Justice League., many insiders questioned the future of the company and the franchise.

In the midst of all this, however, they did find a success with 2017's Wonder Woman, courtesy director Patty Jenkins and star-in-the-making Gal Gadot, who each brought a sincere approach to the superhero and war genres (and to lead female heroes) that was nothing short of revolutionary and worthwhile. In an article written by Vulture magazine just before the film's release that year, DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson addressed the company's goal in deemphasizing their films as part of a "cinematic universe."

Our intention, certainly, moving forward is using the continuity to help make sure nothing is diverging in a way that doesn't make sense, but there's no insistence upon an overall story line or interconnectivity in that universe... Moving forward, you'll see the DC movie universe being a universe, but one that comes from the heart of the filmmaker who's creating them.

"Permission to come aboard."

Anticipation seemed to be at stake for their next scheduled release, Aquaman, over a year before its debut last December. Two things seemed certain, however: 1) director James Wan managed to make an initially laughable character into a hulking hero with brute force, thanks in part to the charisma and charm of actor Jason Mamoa (Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones), and 2) the underwater visual effects were unlike anything seen on the big screen before.

Upon it's release, Aquaman proved more of a triumph in visual spectacle over engrossing storytelling, despite its immersive world-building and its impressive A-list talent (including Mamoa as the titular Arthur Curry, Amber Heard as warrior Mera, Patrick Wilson as Arthur's arrogant and menacing half-brother Orm, Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanta, whose memory and arc drives Arthur's journey; Willem Dafoe as Atlantan vizier Vulco, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the villainous and vengeful Black Manta). The story also proves episodic, jumping between scenes with plot holes, and suffers from too much exposition and some convoluted political agendas at times. (The opening scene, for one, could have avoided voice over narration, for my money's worth.)

In terms of the character and their dynamics/motives, Arthur Curry's is, in a sense, relatable. He wrestles with responsibility and identity, and wants nothing to do with claiming his place in the kingdom of Atlantis, where he is spit on as an illegitimate child. (These parent-child dynamics could have been touched on more, especially between Arthur and Atlanta, to some degree.) Yet, as Mera states, him being the product of two different worlds is what makes him a worthy character, especially with what he learns as far as mercy goes (showing such to his opponents, contrary to the supposed ways of Atlantis when it comes to combat). Speaking of Atlantis, the thematic imagery of a fallen kingdom in need of more than a new king, but above all a hero, as Mera claims, represents her belief in what Arthur can do for both worlds. As another character adds, "A king fights only for his kingdom. You fight for everyone."

On the other hand, the film is very impressive, first-rate, and fascinating with its visual effects and CGI, which make up for some of the films other flaws. On the same ranks as Gotham City (in Batman), Themyscira (in Wonder Woman), and Wakanda (in Black Panther), Atlantis is one of the most immersive places ever brought to the screen, and feels like its own character in the movie. The same goes for its many colorful set pieces and stunning cinematography, from an awesome character entrance in a submarine fight, to Arthur and Mera's journeys through the Sahara desert, into underground sand caves and to an Italian village; to underwater battles with sharks, seahorses, and giant crabs (mind-boggling).

Sure, there may be some easy similarities to Marvel's Black Panther (in terms of kingdom dynamics between Arthur and Orm). At least Aquaman has its own visual language and works as its own standalone movie, despite a very subtle reference to events that happened in Justice League a year before (at least, again, the "theatrical version"). It also as one of 2018's standouts in a year of diverse superheroes and heroes of color (something that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse also pulled off extremely well).

On the other hand, it does seem to echo cinematic epics of yesteryear, melodrama and cliched dialogue and all. It does echo stories and legends we grew up with as children, but in a slightly different way. In those regards, it's perhaps no wonder the film went on to become a $1 billion worldwide hit, even besting the Dark Knight trilogy in the process. And it set the stage for another seemingly-laughable and over-the-top DC character who instead showed (from its entertaining teaser trailer) genuine thrills and grounded reality with a zap--and a magic word.

"I am seeking a champion strong in spirit and pure of heart."
"I'm not that person. I don't know if anyone is, really."

Shazam! tells the story of foster teenager Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who encounters an ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou) and is embedded with superpowers, becoming an adult superhero just by saying the word "Shazam!" (Think Big-meets-Superman.)

Distributed by New Line Cinema (previously known for releasing darker comic book adaptations like 1997's Spawn and 1998's Blade), Shazam!, from the opening sequence, has an 80s Amblin flavor to it a la dark fantasy films of the time like Gremlins or Ghostbusters. It's interesting the film opens with the villain's backstory (Thaddeus Sivana, played as an adult by Mark Strong), who becomes obsessed with searching for the central magical realm as well as misguided power in the form of the "Seven Deadly Sins" (with envy being the worst). Strong is no stranger to comic book movie roles, having appeared in Green Lantern, Kick-Ass, and both Kingsman films. Here, he plays a complex villain accompanied (or rather, manipulated) by frightening creatures, sure to give even parents nightmares, even if that makes the main protagonist's story that much stronger.

True, as light as the film is compared with recent DC outings (by not being bleak or depressing), it is still dark, but more in terms of spirituality and fantasy, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of using powers. And the fact that they set the story during Christmas time furthers Warner Bros' interesting track record of such films. (Look at 1992's Batman Returns and 1987's Lethal Weapon. Even Marvel did the same thing with 2013's Iron Man 3, courtesy Lethal Weapon-writer Shane Black.)

Make no mistake, Shazam! is a fun and entertaining movie otherwise, with many clever homages and references to other DC heroes and a fresh take on common genre tropes. Zachary Levi (of TV's Chuck) fits the role of Billy Batson (as the adult superhero) like a glove, perfectly capturing childlike wonder and excitement, as well as genuine development. The suit, as cheesy as it looks with its bright colors, glowing bolt-shaped emblem and white cape, is a winner--almost like something out of a Ralph Baskhi film (ditto the awesome credits sequence). We thoroughly believe Billy's friendship (as Shazam) with Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer, one of the kids from 2017's It), the self-aware voice for all things superhero, as they figure out various superpowers and abilities, with hilarious results.

As far as the foster family goes, the film does take its time to get to know every central member, each proving loving and supportive, as well as making due (and a difference) with who we are and what we have. This particular emphasis on family and a longing to belong (similar to Aquaman) is illustrated in characters who come from broken families or are damaged by absent or neglecting parents, and who feel unseen, but who learn to make due (and a difference) with who they are and what they do have, including people who care and fighting for such (a "hero" moment, if ever there was one). As one character says, "What good is power if you have no one to share it with?"

Furthermore, Shazam! solidifies that the new direction DC has been going--with more emphasis on director-driven feature films than shared universes a la Marvel--is on a more original footing. And it'll be intriguing to see what kind of impact they actually make with the anticipated releases of Todd Phillips' Joker (starring Joaquin Phoenix) this October, Cathy Yan's Harley Quinn spin-off Birds of Prey (starring Margot Robbie) next February, and Patty Jenkins' follow-up Wonder Woman 1984 (starring Gal Gadot) next summer.