‘The Lion King’ Gets Off to a Roaring Start
The Lion King is set to reign over the box office as it debuts around the world this weekend. The film posted a huge $23 million in Thursday evening previews at the domestic box office, where it opens in over 4,700 theaters today.
Internationally, the film opens in most major territories this weekend after rolling out in China on July 12, 2019 with a powerful $54.1 million debut. Over the last week, that has risen to $76.6 million, and combined with the first two days of play in newly opened territories, the international gross through July 19 is an estimated $130.5 million. It was the second biggest industry opening day ever in Brazil and the second biggest opening day for a Walt Disney Studios live-action film in France (in both cases, behind only Avengers: Endgame), and the biggest opening day for a Disney-branded live-action film of all time in Australia and Korea. In Russia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, it was the third biggest opening day of all time. It was the second biggest opening day of the year (also behind only Avengers: Endgame) in several markets, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, BeyoncĂ© Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
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Saturday, July 20, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
Nickelodeon Renews "SpongeBob SquarePants" for a 13th Season
NICKELODEON’S SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS GETS SEASON 13 PICK UP, AS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SCORES DOUBLE-DIGIT GAINS BRINGING IN MORE THAN 2 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS
Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob
As Nickelodeon brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019, the network has announced the pick up for a 13th season of the hit animated series (of 13 episodes).
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon’s original live-action and animated special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” (Friday, July 12, at 7p.m. [ET/PT]), which drew 2.2 million total viewers in its simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons.
“SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” ranks as the number-one kids’ program for the year and posted high triple and double-digit gains year over year with Kids 2-11 (3.3/797K, up +57%), Kids 6-11 (4.0/589K, up +82%), Tweens 9-14 (3.1/476K, up +94%) and Teens 12-17 (2.1/342K, up +133%).
The special is also the net’s highest-rated premiere with Kids 6-11 since October 2017 (SpongeBob SquarePants “The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom”) and the highest-rated premiere with K2-11 since February 2018.
It also drew a broad audience, posting high double-digit, year-over-year gains with Adults 18-49 (.60/478K, up +50%).
The special ranked as the top co-viewed animated program for the day--33% of Adults 18-49 viewed the show with a Kid 2-11.
The anniversary special delivered the highest time shifted lifts ever for SpongeBob SquarePants with Kids 2-11, rising +51% to 1.2 million K2-11 viewers in Live +3. The broad appeal of the special was evidenced by the double digit lifts seen with Kids 6-11 (+45%), Tweens 9-14 (+36%), Teens 12-17 (+29%) and Adults 18-49 (+51%).
SpongeBob SquarePants season 13 will reunite original voice cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and current show runners Vince Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years.
“SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout” kicked off the 20th anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic and TV series and characters ever created. The mixed live-action and animated special, featured for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
-----------------------
Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob
As Nickelodeon brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019, the network has announced the pick up for a 13th season of the hit animated series (of 13 episodes).
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon’s original live-action and animated special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” (Friday, July 12, at 7p.m. [ET/PT]), which drew 2.2 million total viewers in its simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons.
“SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” ranks as the number-one kids’ program for the year and posted high triple and double-digit gains year over year with Kids 2-11 (3.3/797K, up +57%), Kids 6-11 (4.0/589K, up +82%), Tweens 9-14 (3.1/476K, up +94%) and Teens 12-17 (2.1/342K, up +133%).
The special is also the net’s highest-rated premiere with Kids 6-11 since October 2017 (SpongeBob SquarePants “The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom”) and the highest-rated premiere with K2-11 since February 2018.
It also drew a broad audience, posting high double-digit, year-over-year gains with Adults 18-49 (.60/478K, up +50%).
The special ranked as the top co-viewed animated program for the day--33% of Adults 18-49 viewed the show with a Kid 2-11.
The anniversary special delivered the highest time shifted lifts ever for SpongeBob SquarePants with Kids 2-11, rising +51% to 1.2 million K2-11 viewers in Live +3. The broad appeal of the special was evidenced by the double digit lifts seen with Kids 6-11 (+45%), Tweens 9-14 (+36%), Teens 12-17 (+29%) and Adults 18-49 (+51%).
SpongeBob SquarePants season 13 will reunite original voice cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and current show runners Vince Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years.
“SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout” kicked off the 20th anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic and TV series and characters ever created. The mixed live-action and animated special, featured for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
-----------------------
Labels:
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Wednesday, July 17, 2019
"SpongeBoB SquarePants" Brings "Bikini Bottom" to San Diego Comic Con 2019
Nickelodeon Brings SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom to Life at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019
Nick’s 1800 Square-Foot Booth Commemorates 20 Years of the Iconic Series with Immersive Experience featuring The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
Share it: @nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob #NickSDCC
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to incurably optimistic SpongeBob SquarePants and his undersea friends with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Every day of the convention, Nick’s booth will feature: an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans will go head to head to complete food orders in a race against the clock; a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; The Chum Bucket towering 22 feet tall over the retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectables; costumed character appearances; autograph signings with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator and executive producers; and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a deep dive into the series, celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants; and “To Shell and Back,” an exclusive history-making TMNT creator panel, comprised of three generations of Turtle creators.
The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:
PANELS
SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!
Drop on the deck and flop like a fish because Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants! Dive deep down into the making of the brand-new special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” with co-executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) will discuss what it was like to portray their characters in front of the camera for the first time in this live action-animation hybrid special. Moderated by: David Canfield (Entertainment Weekly).
To Shell and Back: An exclusive TMNT creator panel
It’s creator COWABUNGA time! Three generations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators will take the stage to celebrate the history, fandom, and success of the Heroes in a Half -Shell. This exclusive history-making event will give fans rare access to co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), executive producer Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman. United for the first time, these award-winning creators will answer fan questions, share audience giveaways and unveil never-before-seen original TMNT art. Moderated by Mike Cecchini (Den of Geek).
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
--------------------------
Nick’s 1800 Square-Foot Booth Commemorates 20 Years of the Iconic Series with Immersive Experience featuring The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
Share it: @nickelodeon @SpongeBob #SpongeBob #NickSDCC
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to incurably optimistic SpongeBob SquarePants and his undersea friends with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Every day of the convention, Nick’s booth will feature: an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans will go head to head to complete food orders in a race against the clock; a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; The Chum Bucket towering 22 feet tall over the retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectables; costumed character appearances; autograph signings with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator and executive producers; and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a deep dive into the series, celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants; and “To Shell and Back,” an exclusive history-making TMNT creator panel, comprised of three generations of Turtle creators.
The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:
PANELS
SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!
Drop on the deck and flop like a fish because Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants! Dive deep down into the making of the brand-new special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” with co-executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) will discuss what it was like to portray their characters in front of the camera for the first time in this live action-animation hybrid special. Moderated by: David Canfield (Entertainment Weekly).
To Shell and Back: An exclusive TMNT creator panel
It’s creator COWABUNGA time! Three generations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators will take the stage to celebrate the history, fandom, and success of the Heroes in a Half -Shell. This exclusive history-making event will give fans rare access to co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), executive producer Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman. United for the first time, these award-winning creators will answer fan questions, share audience giveaways and unveil never-before-seen original TMNT art. Moderated by Mike Cecchini (Den of Geek).
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
- Customized T-Shirt Station: Fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of eight fan-favorite Nick shows: All That, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
- Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with: SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent and executive producers; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ creator Kevin Eastman and executive producers.
- Costumed-Character Appearances: SpongeBob SquarePants and Bikini Bottom friends--Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Pearl--will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
- Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, the winter edition of the Nick Box, t-shirts, and more.
- Giveaways: Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
--------------------------
Labels:
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Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Review: "Shazam!" Makes a Joyful Noise
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 6 (of 2019) by Leroy Douresseaux
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Shazam! (2019)
Running time: 132 minutes (2 hours, 12 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material
DIRECTOR: David F. Sandberg
WRITERS: Henry Gayden; from a story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke (based on the characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck)
PRODUCER: Peter Safran
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Maxime Alexandre
EDITOR: Michel Aller
COMPOSER: Benjamin Wallfisch
SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY
Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Glazer, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Meagan Good, Andi Osho, John Glover, and Djimon Hounsou
Shazam! is a 2019 superhero and fantasy film from director David F. Sandberg. The film is based on the DC Comics character now called “Shazam.” In the movie Shazam!, a 14-year-old foster kid becomes a superhero merely by uttering one magic word, SHAZAM!
Shazam! introduces a mysterious wizard named, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who lives in the cave where rests the “Rock of Eternity,” a place that is the home of all magic. Shazam is looking for a worthy human, who will utter his name and become a champion who also bears the name, Shazam. After finding so many humans who failed to live up to his standards, Shazam is running out of time. Now, he hopes that Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a 14-year-old foster kid with a history of petty crime and of running away from foster homes, is his champion.
When Billy shouts SHAZAM!, he becomes an adult (Zachary Levi), a grown man wearing a red superhero costume and possessing incredible powers that Billy cannot imagine. Now, with the help of his foster brother, Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Glazer), Billy will try to learn what powers he has and the extent of those powers. Meanwhile, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), who failed Shazam's test of worthiness when he was a child over four decades ago, now possesses the dark powers against which the wizard fought. Sivana is determined to discover the identity of the new champion and then, to steal that champion's powers for himself.
First a note: the DC Comics character, Shazam, was the first comic book character to have the name “Captain Marvel.” A boy named Billy Batson became Captain Marvel by uttering the word, “Shazam!” Captain Marvel was created by comic book artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker. He first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated: February 1940) which was published by Fawcett Comics. A legal dispute caused Fawcett to stop publishing Captain Marvel comic books in 1953. DC Comics revived the character in 1972, but by then, Marvel Comics owned the trademark to the name “Captain Marvel.” Thus, the original Captain Marvel is now called Shazam.
Marvel Studios released a film starring Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019. Perhaps, it is a coincidence that in the same year Warner Bros. releases a movie starring Shazam. And I have to be honest. I like Marvel's Captain Marvel film, and I like Warner's Shazam just as much.
Shazam is a hugely enjoyable film that is part energetic superhero movie, part charming comedy, and part heartwarming family film. The superhero action is not as intense as that found in most superhero films. Much of the superhero action revolves around Zachary Levi's adult hero and Jack Dylan Glazer's Freddie Freeman executing a number of often humorous experiments to learn about Shazam's powers. The charm comes from the attitude of the film. Much of Shazam is about teenagers learning not only how to be good people, but also about learning how to be good to the people in their lives. Shazam probably presents one of the most favorable views of foster parents and of the foster home in recent memory. And I found that quite heartwarming. Shazam is at heart an unabashed family film about the joys, comfort, and love of having a family.
One element that makes this film so surprisingly delightful are the performances. Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana does what he can do so well – be really good at being a really bad guy. In playing a kid who is suddenly in an adult body, Zachary Levi recalls Tom Hanks' performance in the 1988 film, Big. Sixteen-year-old Asher Angel shows adult acting chops playing teenage Billy Batson. Jack Dylan Glazer is uncannily good as Freddie Freeman, and he practically steals every scene in which he is featured. If there is a children's version of the Oscars, then, Glazer...
Truthfully, every actor who appears in Shazam turns in a good performance or at least tries pretty hard to do so. So I send a shout out to Faithe Herman in her winning turn as Darley Dudley.
The film is well-written and tightly-directed, both of which is required of comedy films. I have to give a shout-out to the film editor, Michel Aller, because I think the editing contributed a lot to this film's engaging tone and practically perfect pace.
I think that this review cannot totally convey how surprised – delightfully surprised – I am at how much I like this movie. I once thought that Shazam! would be a disaster, but I end up having such a good time watching it that I want to see it again. I even want a sequel. And I heartily recommend Shazam!, a superhero film for the entire family.
8 of 10
A
Saturday, April 6, 2019
The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------------
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Shazam! (2019)
Running time: 132 minutes (2 hours, 12 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material
DIRECTOR: David F. Sandberg
WRITERS: Henry Gayden; from a story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke (based on the characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck)
PRODUCER: Peter Safran
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Maxime Alexandre
EDITOR: Michel Aller
COMPOSER: Benjamin Wallfisch
SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY
Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Glazer, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Meagan Good, Andi Osho, John Glover, and Djimon Hounsou
Shazam! is a 2019 superhero and fantasy film from director David F. Sandberg. The film is based on the DC Comics character now called “Shazam.” In the movie Shazam!, a 14-year-old foster kid becomes a superhero merely by uttering one magic word, SHAZAM!
Shazam! introduces a mysterious wizard named, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who lives in the cave where rests the “Rock of Eternity,” a place that is the home of all magic. Shazam is looking for a worthy human, who will utter his name and become a champion who also bears the name, Shazam. After finding so many humans who failed to live up to his standards, Shazam is running out of time. Now, he hopes that Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a 14-year-old foster kid with a history of petty crime and of running away from foster homes, is his champion.
When Billy shouts SHAZAM!, he becomes an adult (Zachary Levi), a grown man wearing a red superhero costume and possessing incredible powers that Billy cannot imagine. Now, with the help of his foster brother, Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Glazer), Billy will try to learn what powers he has and the extent of those powers. Meanwhile, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), who failed Shazam's test of worthiness when he was a child over four decades ago, now possesses the dark powers against which the wizard fought. Sivana is determined to discover the identity of the new champion and then, to steal that champion's powers for himself.
First a note: the DC Comics character, Shazam, was the first comic book character to have the name “Captain Marvel.” A boy named Billy Batson became Captain Marvel by uttering the word, “Shazam!” Captain Marvel was created by comic book artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker. He first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated: February 1940) which was published by Fawcett Comics. A legal dispute caused Fawcett to stop publishing Captain Marvel comic books in 1953. DC Comics revived the character in 1972, but by then, Marvel Comics owned the trademark to the name “Captain Marvel.” Thus, the original Captain Marvel is now called Shazam.
Marvel Studios released a film starring Marvel Comics' Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019. Perhaps, it is a coincidence that in the same year Warner Bros. releases a movie starring Shazam. And I have to be honest. I like Marvel's Captain Marvel film, and I like Warner's Shazam just as much.
Shazam is a hugely enjoyable film that is part energetic superhero movie, part charming comedy, and part heartwarming family film. The superhero action is not as intense as that found in most superhero films. Much of the superhero action revolves around Zachary Levi's adult hero and Jack Dylan Glazer's Freddie Freeman executing a number of often humorous experiments to learn about Shazam's powers. The charm comes from the attitude of the film. Much of Shazam is about teenagers learning not only how to be good people, but also about learning how to be good to the people in their lives. Shazam probably presents one of the most favorable views of foster parents and of the foster home in recent memory. And I found that quite heartwarming. Shazam is at heart an unabashed family film about the joys, comfort, and love of having a family.
One element that makes this film so surprisingly delightful are the performances. Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana does what he can do so well – be really good at being a really bad guy. In playing a kid who is suddenly in an adult body, Zachary Levi recalls Tom Hanks' performance in the 1988 film, Big. Sixteen-year-old Asher Angel shows adult acting chops playing teenage Billy Batson. Jack Dylan Glazer is uncannily good as Freddie Freeman, and he practically steals every scene in which he is featured. If there is a children's version of the Oscars, then, Glazer...
Truthfully, every actor who appears in Shazam turns in a good performance or at least tries pretty hard to do so. So I send a shout out to Faithe Herman in her winning turn as Darley Dudley.
The film is well-written and tightly-directed, both of which is required of comedy films. I have to give a shout-out to the film editor, Michel Aller, because I think the editing contributed a lot to this film's engaging tone and practically perfect pace.
I think that this review cannot totally convey how surprised – delightfully surprised – I am at how much I like this movie. I once thought that Shazam! would be a disaster, but I end up having such a good time watching it that I want to see it again. I even want a sequel. And I heartily recommend Shazam!, a superhero film for the entire family.
8 of 10
A
Saturday, April 6, 2019
The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------------
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Monday, July 15, 2019
BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for July 17, 2019
BOOM! STUDIOS
MAR191271 BAGS OR A STORY THEREOF ORIGINAL GN $12.99
MAY191233 BLACK BADGE #12 MAIN & MIX $3.99
APR191242 BY NIGHT TP VOL 02 $14.99
MAR191286 EMPTY MAN TP RECURRENCE $14.99
MAY191237 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 5) CVR A MAIN POPE (MR) $3.99
MAY191238 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 5) CVR B EROTICA FRISON VAR (MR) $4.99
MAY198228 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 6) FOC RUBIN VAR (MR) $3.99
MAY191225 FIREFLY #8 CVR A MAIN GARBETT $3.99
MAY191226 FIREFLY #8 CVR B PREORDER QUINONES VAR $3.99
MAY198229 FIREFLY #8 FOC DOE VAR $3.99
MAY191244 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER SIRENS #4 CVR A MAIN GODBEY $3.99
MAY191245 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER SIRENS #4 CVR B PREORDER KOCH VAR $3.99
MAY191224 RONIN ISLAND TP VOL 01 PX DISCOVER NOW ED $14.99
MAR191305 SMOOTH CRIMINALS #7 (OF 12) $3.99
MAR191271 BAGS OR A STORY THEREOF ORIGINAL GN $12.99
MAY191233 BLACK BADGE #12 MAIN & MIX $3.99
APR191242 BY NIGHT TP VOL 02 $14.99
MAR191286 EMPTY MAN TP RECURRENCE $14.99
MAY191237 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 5) CVR A MAIN POPE (MR) $3.99
MAY191238 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 5) CVR B EROTICA FRISON VAR (MR) $4.99
MAY198228 FAITHLESS #4 (OF 6) FOC RUBIN VAR (MR) $3.99
MAY191225 FIREFLY #8 CVR A MAIN GARBETT $3.99
MAY191226 FIREFLY #8 CVR B PREORDER QUINONES VAR $3.99
MAY198229 FIREFLY #8 FOC DOE VAR $3.99
MAY191244 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER SIRENS #4 CVR A MAIN GODBEY $3.99
MAY191245 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER SIRENS #4 CVR B PREORDER KOCH VAR $3.99
MAY191224 RONIN ISLAND TP VOL 01 PX DISCOVER NOW ED $14.99
MAR191305 SMOOTH CRIMINALS #7 (OF 12) $3.99
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Comics,
Diamond,
Jim Henson,
Joss Whedon
Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 17, 2019
DARK HORSE COMICS
MAR190345 BPRD DEVIL YOU KNOW TP VOL 03 RAGNA ROK $19.99
MAR190350 CREEPY ARCHIVES HC VOL 29 $49.99
MAR190328 DISNEY DRACULA STARRING MICKEY MOUSE TP $10.99
MAY190266 DISNEY SNOW WHITE AND SEVEN DWARFS #2 (OF 3) $3.99
MAY190288 JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE CONJURORS #3 (OF 5) $3.99
MAR190361 LAGUARDIA TP (MR) $19.99
JAN190486 MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER ENAMEL PIN SET $14.99
MAY190229 NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MOMENT OF STORM #4 CVR A FABRY (MR $3.99
MAY190230 NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MOMENT OF STORM #4 CVR B MACK (MR) $3.99
MAY190214 ORVILLE NEW BEGINNINGS #1 $3.99
MAY190238 QUIET KIND ONE SHOT $5.99
MAY190286 TROUT HOLLOWEST KNOCK #2 (OF 4) $3.99
MAR190324 USAGI YOJIMBO LTD ED HC VOL 33 HIDDEN $59.99
MAR190313 WITCHER TP VOL 04 OF FLESH AND FLAME $17.99
MAR190345 BPRD DEVIL YOU KNOW TP VOL 03 RAGNA ROK $19.99
MAR190350 CREEPY ARCHIVES HC VOL 29 $49.99
MAR190328 DISNEY DRACULA STARRING MICKEY MOUSE TP $10.99
MAY190266 DISNEY SNOW WHITE AND SEVEN DWARFS #2 (OF 3) $3.99
MAY190288 JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE CONJURORS #3 (OF 5) $3.99
MAR190361 LAGUARDIA TP (MR) $19.99
JAN190486 MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER ENAMEL PIN SET $14.99
MAY190229 NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MOMENT OF STORM #4 CVR A FABRY (MR $3.99
MAY190230 NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MOMENT OF STORM #4 CVR B MACK (MR) $3.99
MAY190214 ORVILLE NEW BEGINNINGS #1 $3.99
MAY190238 QUIET KIND ONE SHOT $5.99
MAY190286 TROUT HOLLOWEST KNOCK #2 (OF 4) $3.99
MAR190324 USAGI YOJIMBO LTD ED HC VOL 33 HIDDEN $59.99
MAR190313 WITCHER TP VOL 04 OF FLESH AND FLAME $17.99
Labels:
Comics,
Dark Horse Comics,
Diamond,
Disney Books,
Dracula,
Neil Gaiman,
Seth MacFarlane
DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 17, 2019
DC COMICS
MAY190378 AQUAMAN #50 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $5.99
MAY190377 AQUAMAN #50 YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
APR198554 BATMAN #75 BLANK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190386 BATMAN #75 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $5.99
MAY190385 BATMAN #75 YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190365 COLLAPSER #1 (OF 6) (MR) $3.99
MAY190366 COLLAPSER #1 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR) $3.99
DEC180678 DC ARTISTS ALLEY BATGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180677 DC ARTISTS ALLEY BATGIRL BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
DEC180674 DC ARTISTS ALLEY HAWKGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180673 DC ARTISTS ALLEY HAWKGIRL BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
DEC180676 DC ARTISTS ALLEY SUPERGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180675 DC ARTISTS ALLEY SUPERGIRL BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180672 DC ARTISTS ALLEY WONDER WOMAN B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180671 DC ARTISTS ALLEY WONDER WOMAN BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
APR190540 GREEN ARROW TP VOL 07 CITIZENS ARREST $16.99
MAY190428 JUSTICE LEAGUE #28 VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190427 JUSTICE LEAGUE #28 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
APR190555 JUSTICE LEAGUE TP VOL 03 HAWKWORLD $17.99
MAY190433 LUCIFER #10 (MR) $3.99
MAY190438 NIGHTWING #62 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190437 NIGHTWING #62 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190439 PEARL #11 (MR) $3.99
MAY190440 PEARL #11 VAR ED (MR) $3.99
APR190564 SANDMAN TP VOL 10 THE WAKE 30TH ANNIV ED (MR) $19.99
MAY190369 SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #1 (OF 12) $3.99
MAY190370 SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #1 (OF 12) VAR ED $3.99
MAY190452 TEEN TITANS #32 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190451 TEEN TITANS #32 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190453 TEEN TITANS GO #35 $2.99
MAY190364 WONDER WOMAN COME BACK TO ME #1 (OF 6) $4.99
APR190572 WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 09 THE ENEMY OF BOTH SIDES $19.99
MAY190378 AQUAMAN #50 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $5.99
MAY190377 AQUAMAN #50 YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
APR198554 BATMAN #75 BLANK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190386 BATMAN #75 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $5.99
MAY190385 BATMAN #75 YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190365 COLLAPSER #1 (OF 6) (MR) $3.99
MAY190366 COLLAPSER #1 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR) $3.99
DEC180678 DC ARTISTS ALLEY BATGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180677 DC ARTISTS ALLEY BATGIRL BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
DEC180674 DC ARTISTS ALLEY HAWKGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180673 DC ARTISTS ALLEY HAWKGIRL BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
DEC180676 DC ARTISTS ALLEY SUPERGIRL B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180675 DC ARTISTS ALLEY SUPERGIRL BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180672 DC ARTISTS ALLEY WONDER WOMAN B&W BY ZULLO PVC FIGURE $60.00
DEC180671 DC ARTISTS ALLEY WONDER WOMAN BY ZULLO VINYL FIG $60.00
APR190540 GREEN ARROW TP VOL 07 CITIZENS ARREST $16.99
MAY190428 JUSTICE LEAGUE #28 VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190427 JUSTICE LEAGUE #28 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
APR190555 JUSTICE LEAGUE TP VOL 03 HAWKWORLD $17.99
MAY190433 LUCIFER #10 (MR) $3.99
MAY190438 NIGHTWING #62 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190437 NIGHTWING #62 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190439 PEARL #11 (MR) $3.99
MAY190440 PEARL #11 VAR ED (MR) $3.99
APR190564 SANDMAN TP VOL 10 THE WAKE 30TH ANNIV ED (MR) $19.99
MAY190369 SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #1 (OF 12) $3.99
MAY190370 SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #1 (OF 12) VAR ED $3.99
MAY190452 TEEN TITANS #32 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER $4.99
MAY190451 TEEN TITANS #32 YOTV THE OFFER $3.99
MAY190453 TEEN TITANS GO #35 $2.99
MAY190364 WONDER WOMAN COME BACK TO ME #1 (OF 6) $4.99
APR190572 WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 09 THE ENEMY OF BOTH SIDES $19.99
Labels:
Batman,
Brian Michael Bendis,
Comics,
DC Comics,
Diamond,
Justice League,
Neil Gaiman,
toy news,
Wonder Woman
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