Spoiler Free Review
​
After Thanos’ snap decimates half Earth’s population, the remaining Avengers must come to grips with their loss as they seek to find a way to reverse the outcome. Each of the Avengers deal with the loss of the team, family and world in a different way as they come to grips with not being able to save the world this time.

​After Infinity War, people left the theater in shock. They couldn’t believe their favorite characters were gone. But hope sprang up. The Avengers would find a way to bring everyone back. They would defeat Thanos.

​Endgame has a different feeling. Not one of shock but one of finality. As the last movie in this story arc which began with Ironman, Endgame feels like graduation or retirement day. You know you will see people again but it will never be the same. Everyone must go forward with their lives. With Stan Lee’s passing this past year, the movie becomes even more poignant as the characters of Ironman, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk and Hawkeye finish the sweeping storyline.

​The movie hits all the right notes… nostalgia, sadness, hope and happiness. There are still pieces of humor thrown in, (usually by Ant Man or Thor) along with the history. 

​With great cameos from Joe Russo, Ken Jeong, and Taika Waititi, Endgame weaves together the past movies with this final one. The fact that there is no end credit scene (only a special sound clip at the very end) gives the movie even more of a final feeling, however, there is a feeling of where the next installment will go- into space and a hint at the future.

Sometimes it takes a monster to win the war…
​
Half-human, half-demon Hellboy (David Harbour) battles the Blood Queen (Mila Jovovich) who is set to bring about the end of humanity as she makes the world safe for the monsters. Directed by his father, the head of a secret paranormal task force which keeps the monsters under wraps and protects the world.

​As Hellboy learns about his origins, he questions his place in the world and fears that he will be the key piece to end it. While he agrees with the concept of equality for monsters, he’s not willing to kill all the humans in order to achieve his dreams. Along with his longtime friend, Alice (Sasha Lane) and a shifter, Major Ben Diamio (Daniel Dae Kim), Hellboy battles the Blood Queen and her army of darkness.

​Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola (who also serves as producer) Hellboy follows the comics more closely than the previous movies by Del Toro. This is a complete reboot rather than in any way a sequel to the previous movies. Based in the horror genre rather than the superhero genre, graphic blood and violence fills the screen. People are literally torn apart as blood shoots everywhere. The monsters are ugly and might give some nightmares.

​The movie weaves in King Arthur and Merlin along with Baba Yaga (she’s a scary woman with an ax to grind against Hellboy) and features two after credit scenes which set up the movie for a sequel, although based on the fans’ reactions and the box office, I doubt it will ever be made.

​I don’t understand why filmmakers decide to rewrite a movie which was a popular one. It’s like in five years, doing another Iron Man movie but with a totally different actor and feel. This movie disappoints to all but the true comic fans. Although there is a touch of humor to it, the movie falls flat. I really hoped this would be a good movie because I enjoyed the first two movies but save your money for the upcoming Avengers: Endgame.

Family matters….
​
Billy Batson (Asher Angel) is a troubled fourteen year old. Lost as a child, he longs to find his mother but when he runs afoul of child protective services, he is placed in a foster care home with a group of misfits who have created a family out of their differences.

​The last of ancient protectors must find a champion to wield his powers. He’s sought out so many people but they failed his tests until Billy comes along. Now when Billy says Shazam, he turns into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi).

​As Billy begins to understand his powers, he lets his newfound celebrity go to his head. When bad guy, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) comes after him and his family, Billy must find what is important to him in order to save everyone.

​Unlike superhero movies like Superman or Batman, Shazam is a family friendly movie, even for elementary kids. The message about family and heart resonates with the viewers, although some of the bad guys are a little frightening so be sure to know your child. No one wants nightmares.

​As a fan of the 1970’s TV series, I was nervous about how DC would showcase Shazam. I worried it would be too silly and while there is a lot of humor, it reminds me of a child-friendly Ant Man movie. The message isn’t overly pushed but it will remind you to hug your family a little tighter. 

​There are two after-credit sneak peeks you will want to stay for, as well as many nods to other movies from Annabelle, Big, and Batman to Aquaman. Shazam hits the right note of funny and heartwarming. A must see!