An unexpected joy from the opening scene to the end credits, “Shazam!” is a rare gem: a superhero movie that somehow manages to feel fresh despite the genre being as highly saturated as it is. Spending as much time on the humanity as it does on the high-flying fight sequences, the film is just as warm as it is exciting. Its deeper messages about forgiveness and family are heartfelt and genuine, making it easy to root for Billy Batson and his friends. Featuring a witty script, fantastic characters, and exciting action to boot, “Shazam!” is one of the most fun superhero films to watch.

After running away from multiple foster homes, 14-year-old Billy Batson is determined to locate and reunite with his birth mother. However, his life is quickly turned upside down when a strange meeting with a wizard results in him being given the magical ability to turn into a superhero by uttering a single word. Reveling in his newfound abilities, though unsure what to do with them, he quickly becomes a local celebrity. Little to Billy’s knowledge, the mad Dr. Thaddeus Sivana wants his magical abilities and is willing to do whatever it takes to get his hands on them.

Rather than going through the motions of what a superhero film “should” be, “Shazam!” chooses to look at it from a different, kinder light. Never breaking formula, it decides instead to just play with it, adding a couple ingredients and seeing just how versatile and dynamic it can be. Comparable in many ways to “Into the Spider-Verse” use of story and characters, it embodies optimism and ensures that, while imperfect, the world is destined to be okay. While Shazam!” is noticeably scarier and in many of its action scenes, the youthful positive is still there throughout not only Billy Batson, but his foster brothers and sisters that he meets right as the film begins.

Starting the action right as the film begins to feel too long, “Shazam!” is more than just a superhero comedy. Pure of heart and full of magic, its lessons on family, friendship, and redemption are poignant without ever being heavy handed. Effortlessly entertaining, it brings the pure, joyful escapism that made the heroes of days past so popular to the modern era. Unpretentious, exciting, and sweet, “Shazam!”s charm and grounded humor elevates it well beyond many of its counterparts.

Grade: A

Rose Dunton, originally of Nampa, has been living in Pocatello for the past four years. Proficient in Japanese, she is an avid film buff.