aquaman Archives | Bold Canon

Posted August 2, 20191 Comment Movie Reviews

Why did I wait so long to watch Shazam!? (review)

I’ll tell you a key reason why I usually watch movies, television, and anime without reading reviews or checking hashtags for opinions.

Sometimes those opinions can turn into your own. If you watch something for yourself, you can have your pure thoughts on whatever it is you are watching.

Unfortunately, I didn’t watch Shazam! July due to other people’s criticism. That’s why I waited so long to watch it.

Shazam! came out in April 2019 and guess what, it was good!

Sure, I was more interested in the young Billy Batson’s progression versus his escapades as Shazam. But, his entire story arc was good.

We meet Billy in a very vulnerable state. He’s looking for his mother, he doesn’t trust anyone, and he’s thrust into a new environment when child services catch him in Philadelphia following a lead on his mother.

From there we meet the best part of Billy, his foster family. Most specifically his brother, Freddy. The chemistry between Freddy and Billy is great. They came off as bonded friends throughout the movie.

Billy and Freddy, Shazam! — Billy and Freddy

And the family’s positive and welcoming behavior throughout the movie made it easy to believe that he would trust them at the end of the movie to become his partners and fight the supervillain.

Speaking of the villain, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana was creepy and the 7 deadly sins were well designed. Plus, it was nice to see Philadelphia used in this type of film. You never really see it.

This movie had a lot of funny moments. However, the suit was not one of them. It threw me off. At one point it seemed like the writing poked fun at the suit.

There’s a moment where Billy is at the dinner table with his foster family and a comment is made about the suit Shazam is wearing. Billy responds that the superhero may not have had a choice in his outfit.

That is a funny way for the writing and directing staff to poke at itself. But seriously, you’re in a franchise where Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman have sleek, shiny suits. Shazam needs a better look in the sequel.

Besides the suit, I enjoyed the movie. I wish I hadn’t let people tell me it was too campy. Because it wasn’t. It was funny at times and heart-warming at other times. And it’s worth a watch.

Posted April 11, 20192 Comments Movie Reviews

Opinion: Aquaman is the best DCEU character

I have watched all the recent DCEU (DC extended universe) movies. I got through Man of Steel, limped through Batman vs. Superman, Wonder Woman was okay, and I actually tried to watch Justice League twice and didn’t stand out to me.

That is not me knocking DC characters. Batman will always be one of the best superheroes of all time.

This isn’t an argument about whether DC heroes are inferior. However, the DCEU is lacking. It may just be me, but I find the CW’s iteration of Flash as one of the better things in DC now.

However, if we are thinking about the movies only then I’d have to say that Aquaman is the best DC movie character now! His movie is far more captivating than any of the other releases.

Why?

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Arthur Curry/ Aquaman is refreshing. He’s upbeat, he’s sort of funny, and likeable. His solo film introduction was cool. I don’t know much about Aquaman, but he was super strong without rubbing me the wrong way like Superman.

Superman has always rubbed me the wrong way because I never understood why he has so many powers, but he is always fighting from underneath. You can’t have every single power ever thought of and expect me to believe you are an underdog.

I’m just saying.

But back to Aquaman, when we catch up with him after Justice League, he’s not brooding or depressed and the local news broadcasters aren’t calling him a vigilante. He’s a bonafide hero that fisherman want to take selfies with. He is immediately painted as someone you want to like.

Even the moments in the film that are supposed to make you feel down, like when he finds out about his mother being sacrificed. He doesn’t go on a rebellious rampage. He still wants to learn about his people and insists that he’s not king material.

He only seriously considers becoming king and retrieving the Trident of Atlan when Mera tells him that King Orm is trying to become Ocean Master and destroy the world. His character comes off genuine. I can’t say that for the other DC cinematic characters at this point.

Maybe Batman and Superman have been overdone at this point and that’s why seeing their stories redone hasn’t been entertaining to me. But, I think that DC should learn from this. There is a reason his movie was the highest grossing film.

In my opinion, Aquaman should spearhead the DCEU. Forget about re-inventing the wheel for the 20th time with Batman and Superman. Make them supporting characters and push someone new this time.