Today I saw Shazam.

“Wait, isn’t Shazam going to be released in theaters on April 5”

Yes. Yes, it is. I managed to get early access to see it 2 weeks early. Because I have friends in high places. The bank. I paid for the early access ticket. Anyone could have seen it early. Thanks, Fandango. 

Here’s my limited knowledge of Shazam going into the movie. It’s a DC comic. The character named Shazam is a old wizard mentor character – not the superhero. Shazam bestoys powers to Billy who becomes Captain Marvel. “Wait, isn’t Captain Marvel that female hero from Marvel comics” Yes, there’s two. Try to keep up. Actually, that’s all I know going in. I don’t know how accurate the movie will be compared to the comic book storyline. 

I liked it. It was goofy and action packed. It was exactly what you would expect from a superhero movie centered around a 14 year old getting powers. I like the improvements DC is making with its movies.

Movie throws you right in with an intense backstory, but surprisingly not the hero. We see our first glimpse at the wizard, temple, and the seven deadly sins. Shazam is growing weak and is recruiting for a pure of heart replace to guard the world from the seven deadly sins being released. The sins are also recruiting for their own champion to release them. 

We got a good number of characters. Protagonist, Billy, got separated from his mom at a carnival and ended up in the foster system. After running away from several homes attempting to find his parents, he ends up in a group home with five other kids. His new roommate (and best friend) is we call a ‘comic book geek’. There are tons of Superman and Batman easter eggs throughout the movie – some more obvious than others. 

Plot ensues when villain gets powers and hero gets powers. Billy starts taking advantage of his adult form by skipping school, buying beer*, and going to strip clubs. Billy and  side kick, Freddy, become recognized by youtube videos, selfies, and performances – not responsible hero work. Villian doesn’t require training montage so instead we get a dark scene of him getting his revenge. 

*side note: This is set in PA. You can’t buy beer in a gas station. Do your research people. 

I’m not going to summarize the ending to keep you in suspense, but you can assume it’s a hero v. villian boss battle with an interesting twist. Overall, it was enjoyable. I’m also extremely partical to Zachary Levi because he’s perfect.

 BTW: There’s a mid-credit scene and end credit. End credit isn’t crucial to stay for, but has a funny joke. Mid-credit scene teases sequel. 

I typed up a post for this week, but it’s very personal and I’m having a debate about  whether or not I should actually post it. Instead, I’m typing this up last minute. What could go wrong.
This weekend, I saw How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World. The thing is, it’s not out in theaters for another 3 weeks. How did I manage to see an early screening you ask? I have connections 😉 

I actually just saw an add on TV, Facebook, email, and everywhere else, so I bought a ticket. Fandago was hosting an early screening event and anyone in the public could take advantage of it. (It sounds less impressive when I explain it). 
The film has a 8.1/10 rating on IMBD and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Dreamworks has accomplished something that has rarely been done before, especially for an animated kids movie – a great trilogy. I hesitate to add “kids” since the reason it has done so well it because it truly is a movie for everyone. The attention to detail with the animation is incredible. If you look closely, you’ll see Hiccup even has a subtle stubble for this movie. The emotional story lines and one liners jokes are pretty consistent with the standard from the first two iterations of the series. This is mostly thanks to the marvelous writers and great cast of actors involved in the process. Not to mention the soundtrack! Basically everyone who worked on the movie did awesome.

Without including any spoilers, it picks off where HTTYD 2 left off. The village of Berk is saving dragons, but realize they need a plan for what to do with the dragons after they are saved. Hiccup’s quest is to find the Hidden World (roll credits) of the dragons to take shelter from their new dragon hunter enemies. As you can tell from the posters and trailers, Toothless gets a girlfriend which leads to hilarious mating rituals and emotional depth. There’s also development between Hiccup and Astrid relationship as they work out how to led together.

I have so much to say about the ending, but I honestly don’t even want to describe it, good or bad. I want the full experience and not go in already knowing the jokes and plot. So, don’t look for any hints about the ending here. You know what…No….forget that..

IT WAS A PERFECT ENDING. P.E.R.F.E.C.T.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World opens everywhere Feb 22 and I highly encourage everyone to see it. I also encourage everyone to watch the other HTTYD movies if you haven’t yet causing they’ve been out for years and they’re amazing. 

Also, there is no end credit scene.