After the anticipated opening weekend for David Sandberg’s Shazam, fans are left with a wanderlust of possibilities for the DCEU. Surpassing initial North American box office projections of $53.5 million and topping out at just over $56.8 million nationally, $102 million internationally. Shazam has had the lowest opening box office weekend of any film in the DC universe so far but managed to stay well under its modest $100 million dollar budget. Shazam is an enjoyable break from the typical somber and serious DCEU tones.

 A fresh take on what it means to be a DC hero on the big screen, Shazam follows Aquaman’s success adding depth and possibility to the seven film franchise. For those of you who may have not had the chance to see the film this weekend warning, further reading may contain spoilers.

Shazam. explores Billy Batson’s life; an abandoned 14-year-old looking for his parents; isolating himself from anyone willing to give him anything until he is given a final chance to settle in with a new foster family (themselves orphans) hoping they can help him see sense. Billy finds himself out of his depth quickly and it ends as so many had before; him running away. But this time; he runs into a powerful wizard and must take the mantle of Shazam. Leaving him with a confusing face, a confusing body, confusing powers, and no-one to turn to, but his foster family. –Adam Zensi

A project this large incorporates hundreds of dedicated supporting individuals that spend countless hours to make it a reality. For producers, directors, actors and crewmembers a films financial success is celebrated but it is truly inspiring to see a unique character paired with an actor or actress that can deliver a performance meriting additional films, Asher Angel (Billy Batson) and Zachary Levi (adult Billy) do just that. Asher embodies the isolation every teenager feels at some point from the group, growing from the guy who steals your gel pens to a genuine hero. The chemistry between co star Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy) and Asher is simply amazing highlighting a friendship audiences feel almost envious of. Zachary Levi churns out one of the most authentic and comical takes on a “kid in an adults body” routines ever, physically and emotionally manifesting the wrestling of  being a teen in an adult body with superman level powers. It was actually hard to tell what was more funny to watch, older or younger Billy Batson squabbling with Freddy. The performance is a breath of fresh air that portrays a fun superhero that future children can relate and aspire to.

The entire tone is light hearted, even though the world is hanging in the balance there is just the right amount of comedy to get a laugh. Probably the only character taking the role without a single smirk is Mark Strong playing the villain Dr. Sivana. Young Billy Batson isn’t a bucket of laughs but more of the quiet loner type, kind of like the guy who wore a denim jacket in high school. Powered up, he is on a continuous role of arguing, hiding, fighting and running in a manner hilarious compared to your typical hero.

One of the most enjoyable takeaways after watching Shazam  is the abundant references  to other DC cinematic characters like Batman and Superman. Whether it is in the form of comic relief or direct interaction between Shazam and other franchise heroes, the message is that Shazam will be a player in the future of the DCEU. Shazam marks the first stride filmmakers have taken to create a  universe that allows the easy transition of heroes and heroines into each others films.

On the less exuberant side, the movie does have some pitfalls that a returning fan to the franchise might point out. Shazam is anything but short and towards the point, I found myself checking my phone fighting through a series of possible end scenes similar to Return of the King’s drawn out wrap up. Aquaman created a fantastic world with enough spectacular CGI to give Avatar a run for their money. Shazam is not quite at the same level, set in PA the story does keep the environment accurate to the plot limiting fans to building gazing.

With a great performance from a talented team Shazam exceeded my initial expectations. After the experience I felt satisfied knowing the universe had grown from a more lighthearted perspective that will surely continue into future titles.