With Marvel’s fourth Avengers adaption, “Endgame,” opening today, DC is throwing its best efforts to the wind. Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Shazam keep DC films afloat. After a disappointing Justice League, humor is DC’s new favorite tool.

“Shazam” came out April 5, reaching an audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. With two hours and 12 minutes of some action, an abundance of humor and a few tear-jerkers, this is an original and charming movie for families. Rated PG-13, the majority of the jokes weren’t too cheesy and were enough to keep anyone engaged.

The real story starts with 14-year-old Billy Batson who can’t seem to remain in one foster home for more than a week. Cynical, secluded and young, Billy lands himself in a home of five foster kids with a lovely couple caring for all.

The overall plot was loose and underdeveloped, and the main characters lacked any connection or arch throughout the film. When Batson transformed into his superhero counterpart, his character completely changed, and it was difficult to see them as the same person. The little kid could not be found anywhere in the superhero persona.

The light-hearted banter diluted touching moments, making it more of a comedy than a superhero tale with a decent backstory. Shazam is supposed to be idolized and equivalent to Superman, yet just seemed to be a tool for DC to compete with Marvel’s Captain Marvel.

The film was overall decent, keeping it funny and and cute, but in no way does it bring DC up to par with the ever-developing world of Marvel.

Rating: 6.2/10