''Lego DC Shazam! Magic and Monsters'' is a 2020 American animated
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...
comedy film based on the
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
and
Lego
Lego (, ; ; stylised as LEGO) is a line of plastic construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. Lego consists of variously coloured interlocking plastic bricks made of acrylonitri ...
brands. The film is produced by
DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment is an American entertainment company that was founded in September 2009 and is based in Burbank, California. The company is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery which manages DC Comics characters by working with other units ...
,
The Lego Group
Lego A/S, also known as the Lego Group, is a Danish construction toy production company based in Billund. It manufactures Lego-branded toys, consisting mostly of interlocking ABS plastic and rubber bricks. The Lego Group has also built severa ...
and
Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation Inc. (abbreviated as WBA) is an American animation studio which is part of the Warner Bros. Television Group, a division of Warner Bros., which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery and serves as the animation divis ...
and distributed by
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Inc. (doing business as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment; formerly known as Warner Home Video and WCI Home Video and sometimes credited as Warner Home Entertainment) is the American home video distribution ...
. It is the tenth and final Lego DC Comics film and was released on digital on April 28, and on
Blu-ray
Blu-ray (Blu-ray Disc or BD) is a digital optical disc data storage format designed to supersede the DVD format. It was invented and developed in 2005 and released worldwide on June 20, 2006, capable of storing several hours of high-defin ...
and
DVD
The DVD (common abbreviation for digital video disc or digital versatile disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any ki ...
on June 16, 2020, as The Lego Group would part ways with Warner Bros. to sign a deal with
Universal Pictures
Universal City Studios LLC, doing business as Universal Pictures (also known as Universal Studios or simply Universal), is an American filmmaking, film production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered at the 10 Universal Ci ...
. The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for the humor and action.
Plot
A new hero known as
Shazam has made his debut and is attracting media attention for his sudden arrival and polite mannerisms. Unbeknownst to the public, he is a young orphan boy named Billy Batson.
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
encounters the
Monster Society of Evil
The Monster Society of Evil is a supervillain team created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. It is led by Mister Mind against their mutual enemy Captain Marvel (DC Comics), Captain Marvel. The team is significant as one of the firs ...
, who are trying to steal food for their master,
Mister Mind
Mister Mind is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of Captain Marvel (DC Comics), Captain Marvel. Created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics, the character made a cameo appea ...
, and calls
Justice League
The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). Writer Gardner Fox conceived the ...
members
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
,
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
,
The Flash
The Flash is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date, cover-dated Jan ...
, and
Green Lantern
Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. They fight evil with the aid of rings that grant them a variety of extraordinary powers, all of which come from imagination, fearlessness, ...
for help. Witnessing this, Shazam decides to aid them, forcing the Society to retreat. Impressed by Shazam's capabilities, the League invites him to the Hall of Justice and offers him membership. But Shazam rejects their offer, believing they will reject him if they discover his actual age. Traveling to the
Rock of Eternity
This page lists the locations in the DC Universe, the shared universe setting of DC Comics.
Sites
Arrowcave
The Arrowcave is the former base of operations of the Green Arrow and Speedy.
Avernus Cemetery
Avernus Cemetery is a hidden burial grou ...
, Shazam goes to consult
The Wizard for advice. The Wizard advices Shazam to be more open to the League. Sensing a disturbance, the Wizard then sends Shazam to investigate.
At the Monster Society's hideout, Mister Mind captures the League and, using a serum concocted by
Doctor Sivana
Doctor Sivana is the name of two fictional, related characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original Doctor Sivana's alter-ego is Dr.Thaddeus Bodog Sivana, a recurring enemy of the superhero Captain Marvel created ...
, transforms them into children, making them more susceptible to his mind-control powers. Although de-aged, Batman avoids being mind-controlled and escapes to the Batcave with Shazam's help. Batman is reluctant to trust him, so Shazam reveals his secret identity while also recounting his origin: After
aiding Batman in a duel with Two-Face, Billy continued to go about his daily routine while also generously helping others in need, eventually being led into a subway station, and boarding a magic train that takes him to the Rock, where he meets the Wizard in person. The Wizard explains that he disguised himself as ordinary citizens to test Billy's purity of heart and see if he was worthy of becoming his new champion after the previous champion,
Black Adam
Black Adam (Teth-Adam) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck, and first appeared in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics' '' The Marvel Family'' comic book ...
, became corrupted by his power and was sealed away in the Rock. Accepting the Wizard's offer, Billy is gifted his new powers and proceeds to make the most of his alter-ego's powers and age, but he still longs for a family of his own. Empathizing with Billy, Batman reveals his secret identity to Billy and offers him his trust, which Billy gladly accepts.
Across the world, the mind-controlled Leaguers steal food for Mister Mind, but Batman and Shazam locate and free them from Mister Mind's control. Reunited, the League infiltrates the Society's lair and fights their way to Mister Mind, defeating the Society in the process. When Shazam and the League encounter Mister Mind, they discover that he has undergone
metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops including birth transformation or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through cell growth and different ...
and grown into a giant moth monster. The group attempts to escape to the Rock of Eternity to seek help from the Wizard, but Mister Mind follows them and begins devouring the Rock, causing him to increase in size and free Black Adam.
Adam then betrays Mister Mind by using his magic lightning to reduce him to his caterpillar form and send him into space. Seeking vengeance against the Wizard, Adam attacks the Rock and overwhelms the League. While the Wizard clashes with Adam, the League escapes to Earth. Knowing Adam will be coming for them, they make preparations and rebuild their vehicles to account for their reduced age.
Arriving on Earth, Adam fights and overpowers the League. Remembering the Wizard's advice and how Adam was able to depower Mister Mind, Shazam uses his lightning to share his powers with the League, enhancing their abilities and returning them to their normal age. This also reveals his secret identity to them, but they are not upset and tell him that his age doesn't matter as long as they do the right thing. The League uses their new powers to defeat Adam, and Billy uses the magic lightning to regain his powers from the other Leaguers, while Adam is depowered and reduced to a mortal man. With Adam arrested and their adulthood restored, the League shows their gratitude by reuniting Billy with
his sister Mary and
Uncle Dudley.
In a mid-credit scene,
Lobo apprehends Mister Mind for his $1,000,000,000,000 bounty, much to his dismay.
Cast
*
Sean Astin
Sean Patrick Astin (; born February 25, 1971) is an American actor. His acting roles include Mikey Walsh in '' The Goonies'' (1985), Billy Tepper in '' Toy Soldiers'' (1991), Dave Morgan in '' Encino Man'' (1992), Daniel Ruettiger in '' Rudy'' ...
as
Shazam
*
Zach Callison as
Billy Batson,
Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Olsen is most often portrayed as a young photojournalist working for the ''Daily Planet''. He is close friends with Lois Lane and Superman, Clark Kent ...
*
Troy Baker
Troy Edward Baker (born April 1, 1976) is an American voice actor and musician. He is known for his numerous roles in video games, including Yuri Lowell in ''Tales of Vesperia'' (2008), Joel Miller in ''The Last of Us'' franchise, Booker DeWi ...
as
Batman / Bruce Wayne,
Carmine Falcone
Carmine Falcone is a villain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, portrayed as a powerful Italian-American mob boss, an List of Batman family enemies, enemy of Batman, and an acquaintance of the Wayne family. He has also been ...
*
Nolan North
Nolan North (born October 31, 1970) is an American actor best known for his voice acting roles.
After his breakthrough role as Dr. Chris Ramsey on the ABC soap opera '' Port Charles'' in 1997, North moved into voice acting when the show ended ...
as
Superman / Clark Kent,
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman.
Alfred is ...
*
Grey Griffin
Grey DeLisle (; born Erin Grey Van Oosbree; August 24, 1973), sometimes credited as Grey Griffin, is an American voice actress and singer-songwriter. DeLisle is known for various roles in animated productions and video games. On September 27, ...
as
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
,
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1 (June 1938). Lois is an award-winning ...
* Cristina Milizia as
Green Lantern / Jessica Cruz
*
James Arnold Taylor
James Arnold Taylor (born July 22, 1969), also known by his initials JAT, is an American voice and television actor. He is known for voicing Ratchet in the ''Ratchet & Clank'' franchise, the main character Tidus in '' Final Fantasy X'', Shuyin ...
as
The Flash
The Flash is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date, cover-dated Jan ...
,
Dummy
* Imari Williams as
Black Adam / Teth-Adam
*
Fred Tatasciore
Fred Tatasciore ( , , born June 13, 1967) is an American voice actor who has provided voices in animated and live-action films, television shows, and video games. He is known for voicing the Hulk, Volstagg, and Beast in various Marvel media and ...
as
Lobo, Oom
*
Ralph Garman as
Wizard
*
Dee Bradley Baker
Dee Bradley Baker (born August 31, 1962) is an American voice actor. Much of his work has consisted of vocalizations of animals and monsters. Baker's roles include animated series such as '' Adventure Time'', ''American Dad!'', '' Avatar: The Las ...
as Jeepers,
Dr. Sivana, Crocodile-Man
*
Jennifer Hale
Jennifer Hale is a Canadian voice actress. She is best known for her work in video game franchises such as ''Baldur's Gate'', ''Mass Effect'', '' Metal Gear Solid'', '' BioShock Infinite'', '' Metroid Prime'', '' Halo'', '' Overwatch'', and '' ...
as
Mary Batson, L.N. Ambassador
*
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
as
Penguin
Penguins are a group of aquatic flightless birds from the family Spheniscidae () of the order Sphenisciformes (). They live almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Only one species, the Galápagos penguin, is equatorial, with a sm ...
,
Perry White
Perry White is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the editor-in-chief of the Metropolis newspaper the '' Daily Planet''. The character maintains very high ethical and journalistic standards and i ...
*
Greg Ellis as
Mr. Mind
*
Erica Lindbeck as Greeter, Farmer
*
Josh Keaton as Executive, Terrance
Reception
Tom Cassidy for
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media (CSM) is an American nonprofit organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children. gave the film a three out of five star rating and commented, "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."
References
External links
*
{{DC Comics animated films
2020 direct-to-video films
2020 computer-animated films
Animated films about sentient toys
Direct-to-video animated films based on DC Comics
2020s superhero comedy films
Animated films based on video games
2020s American animated films
2020s direct-to-video animated superhero films
Films about magic
Films about rapid human age change
Films based on classical mythology
Films set in 2019
Films set in 2020
Captain Marvel (DC Comics) in other media
Warner Bros. Animation films
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes films
Animated Justice League films
American direct-to-video films
Warner Bros. direct-to-video films
Warner Bros. direct-to-video animated films
Films directed by Matt Peters
2020s English-language films
English-language action comedy films