Lego DC: Shazam: Magic and Monsters
Cheerful superhero movie has teamwork, trust, and fights.
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Lego DC: Shazam: Magic and Monsters
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lego DC: Shazam: Magic and Monsters is a comedic animated superhero movie that features DC Comics favorites Shazam and the Justice League (Batman, Superman, etc). The movie is lighthearted and the lead character, Shazam (voiced by Sean Astin), is a super-polite superhero, who praises others and does everything with a smile. He learns about trust and teamwork when he joins the Justice League. Thanks to a mind control trick by the villainous worm, Mister Mind (Greg Ellis), the Justice League members are all transformed into young versions of themselves -- kids might enjoy seeing these heroes closer to their own age. There is lots of age-appropriate comic book action -- with no injuries or serious threat -- which is often played for comedic, slapstick effect.
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What's the Story?
LEGO DC: SHAZAM: MAGIC AND MONSTERS follows the world's most polite superhero, Shazam (voiced by Sean Astin). Shazam joins Batman (Troy Baker), Superman (Nolan North) and the rest of the Justice League when the mind-controlling worm Mister Mind (Greg Ellis) starts to steal all of Metropolis' food.
Is It Any Good?
As an introduction to Shazam, a lesser-known DC Comics superhero character, this cheerful movie matches the title character's enthusiasm and joy. Lego DC: Shazam: Magic and Monsters is a great entry point for curious younger kids not yet old enough to watch the superhero's own live-action movie, Shazam!. As well as spending time getting to know Shazam (voiced by a beaming Astin), kids also get to enjoy familiar faces from the Justice League working together, as they get to know Shazam. Shazam's alter-ego is Billy Batson (Zach Callison), a high-schooler. Billy's age is one source of drama and this theme is played on with the Justice League reverting to kids after Mister Mind works his mind control magic. Kids will likely enjoy this rarely seen "one of us" side to the superheroes.
The movie is bright, colorful, and lighthearted. It's rendered in the very familiar Lego style that is across toys, video games, TV series, and movies. This nudges it toward brand saturation. But it's delivered with enough wit and fun to make it not feel cynical. The superhero action and storyline runs out of steam a little early. But with its strong themes of trust and teamwork, along with Shazam's unending enthusiasm, it's a cheery time suitable for a range of ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Lego DC: Shazam: Magic and Monsters teaches us about trust. What did Shazam learn? Do you think it's important to trust people? When should we be cautious?
What examples of teamwork and courage can you give from the movie? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of any times you've shown these traits?
What super power would you choose if you could pick one? What do you think you do really well already?
Why do you think Lego and DC Comics would agree to make this movie? What are other ways do toy manufacturers and other industries market their products to kids?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 28, 2020
- Cast: Sean Astin, Troy Baker, Zach Callison
- Director: Matt Peters
- Studio: HBO Max
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 81 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Lego Batman Movie
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Heroes time-travel and fight evil in funny, inventive tale.
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