Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed DCU animation has threat, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam
What's the Story?
SUPERMAN/ SHAZAM!: THE RETURN OF BLACK ADAM finds Billy Batson (voiced by Zach Callison), a kind young orphan, targeted by the evil Black Adam (Arnold Vosloo) for reasons unbeknownst to him. When Billy is gifted with superpowers of his own -- turning into Captain Marvel (Jerry O'Connell) -- together with Superman (George Newbern), Billy is able to fight back.
Is It Any Good?
Billy Batson aka Captain Marvel aka Shazam must be one of the most likable superheroes in all of the DC Universe. In Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam, we see the kind and compassionate young Billy transform into the amusing, can't quite believe who he is -- "I can fly!" -- Captain Marvel for the first time. It's a well-paced movie with Billy's personality quickly laid out before the crashing and banging begins. Of which there is a lot. We're even treated to a super-quick flashback sequence that fills in various gaps to Billy's backstory, which should prove helpful to those unfamiliar with the character's comic book origins. And all this in the space of just 25 minutes.
The story is a basic good versus evil, with little time spent on Black Adam's reasoning for his evil ill-doing, other than briefly mentioning that if he has the power of the gods, then why shouldn't he behave like a god. The dialogue is also so cheesy you can practically smell it. While the "magical negro" trope involving a man experiencing homeless who turns out to be Billy's guardian angel, along with the lack of female characters, are perhaps something the writers should have been more conscious of. But Billy's charm and the positive qualities he exhibits makes this an endearing addition to the DC Universe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam. Did it feel too extreme for a movie like this? Why, or why not? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How did Billy show courage and compassion? Can you think of any times in your own life when you've shown these character strengths?
Did you think there were a lack of female characters? Did you think this was an issue? Why is representation important?
How did this compare to other animated superhero adventures you've seen? What did/didn't you like?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 9, 2010
- Cast : Zach Callison , James Garner , Josh Keaton
- Director : Joaquim Dos Santos
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some sexual content
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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