Various members of the press had the opportunity to attend an early screening of Shazam! With the embargo now lifted, those who saw the film can freely give their opinions on social media – and reactions are quite positive.
Many critics noted the movie’s heart and humor, with some giving particular praise to Zachary Levi’s performance and David Sandberg’s direction. Some went as far to say it’s the best movie in the DC Extended Universe.
Cinema Blend’s Eric Eisenberg called the film a delight, particularly praising Levi’s performance, saying it’s the role he was born to play.
ET Now’s Ash Crossan said the film was “damn near PERFECT,” emphasizing its heart and humor.
IGN’s Jim Vejvoda called it “DC’s most joyful & sweet movie since the era of Christopher Reeve’s Superman,” saying it doesn’t reinvent the genre, but notes that it’s undeniably fun.
Fandango’s Erik Davis called the film “big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before.”
We Live Entertainment’s Scott Menzel called it “Ridiculously entertaining & non-stop fun from start to finish.” He also praised David F. Sandberg’s jump from small budget horror films to big budget blockbuster movies.
ComicBook.com’s Brandon Davis said it “blows away every expectation and is my new favorite DC movie.”
Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier said he had issues with the film’s “hero/villain aspects” but called the movie’s “family stuff” dynamic and powerful.
/Film’s Peter Sciretta said it’s “a crowd pleasing family-friendly joy-filled wish-fulfillment superhero film which gets a bit over the top and cheesy at times.”
Den of Geek’s Mike Cecchini says Shazam! is a “real surprise,” going on to call it his favorite DCEU movie.
Nerd Reactor’s John Nguyen said the movie’s at its best when Zachary Levi is “trying out superpowers and Billy Batson is dealing with his foster family.”
For more on Shazam!, read about how it fits into the DC Extended Universe and how it definitely has a post-credits scene.
Shazam! hits theaters on April 5, 2019.
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Colin Stevens is a news writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.