In a sign of confidence, Warner Bros. has already screened Shazam! to select critics a month before its April release. The first reactions are here and they praise the upcoming superhero as DC’s finest yet.

The initial impressions from the press note the fun and heartwarming story that sets it apart from other superhero properties. They also call Zachary Levi “perfectly cast’ as Shazam as well as his younger counterpart Asher Angel. Some reactions even point out Jack Dylan Grazer’s performance as Freddy Freeman, Billy Batson’s best friend, being a standout in the film. Meanwhile, the rest of the foster family get their fair share of praise too.

Here are just some of the positive reactions.

#Shazam is big, goofy, lovable, and unlike anything DC has done before. Definitely in the vein of Tom Hanks' BIG, but with superhero action & lots of Batman and Superman references. I dug this film so much I wanted to give it a bear hug at the end. DC's movies keep getting better pic.twitter.com/WQJgo61gMg

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is a BLAST! @ZacharyLevi is perfect as Earth’s Mightiest Mortal and the film has such heart. Very unique take on genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously & embraces the weirdness of comics. Mindblowing easter eggs for hardcore fans! 👊⚡️ pic.twitter.com/PbLGNXCkKy

— Nicholas Whitcomb (@Whos_Nick) March 8, 2019

#Shazam was damn near PERFECT in my book. My FAVORITE DC movie (DCEU? What are we saying now?) by far. Pure of heart, incredibly funny, full of in-jokes and references. Brought me a childlike joy to watch. This role was MADE for @ZacharyLevi… & Jack & Asher & the entire cast pic.twitter.com/rVrxjcwvCe

— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) March 8, 2019

#SHAZAM! is pure joy that would have been right at home in the Amblin era. It has huge heart, loads of laughs, and even a few (welcome) scares. @ponysmasher combines classic charm and modern irreverence to create a thrilling superhero adventure for all. #SHAZAMMovie pic.twitter.com/3S7OYIjVos

— Sean Gerber (@MrSeanGerber) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is an absolute delight! Super vibrant, tons of heart & a great fun-loving vibe. The family element is a big charmer & so is the humor that comes with watching @ZacharyLevi explore his new powers. Said this after IT but it's worth repeating – @Jgrazerofficial is a star.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is such a brilliant movie. It’s so tremendously fun, and incredibly scary at some points (thanks, David F. Sandberg!). It blows away every expectation and is my new favorite DC movie. pic.twitter.com/DlpymCukTP

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) March 8, 2019

David F. Sandberg and co. seem to have nailed to fun tone that Shazam! fans know and love, while also giving us a character-driven story full of heart and that “classic charm”. The overwhelmingly positive reactions predict a very good start for DC in 2019 and an overall great streak of films for the DCEU. They have finally hit their stride and there is no sign of slowing down with The Joker arriving later this year.

Do you think the DCEU is on the right track? Let us know in the comments below!

Shazam! hits theaters April 5, 2019. ‘

The film stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, and Mark Strong