Endowed by a wizard (Djimon Hounsou) with the ability to
transform himself, by dint of the titular exclamation, into a superhero with
the body of an adult (Zachary Levi), a 14-year-old foster child (Asher Angel)
does battle with a formidable villain (Mark Strong) who wants the lad to
surrender his newfound powers to him. Though it eventually becomes almost
exclusively an action picture, director David F. Sandberg's DC Comics-based
origin story begins with an enjoyable overlay of comedy as the protagonist and
his physically challenged best friend (Jack Dylan Grazer) marvel at his ability
to shoot electricity from his hands and perform similar nifty stunts. Family
life is exalted over egotistical self-reliance as Angel's character learns to
use his gifts responsibly, and viewers of faith will appreciate brief scenes of
prayer and an implicitly pro-life message about the dignity of the disabled.
Some mischief enabled by the main character's grown-up guise, however, makes
this questionable fare even for older teens.
Watch out for: Much
stylized violence with a few gruesome sights, underage drinking, brief sexual
humor, some of it involving a strip club, at least one use of profanity and a
milder oath, and about a dozen crude and crass terms.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA:
PG-13
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2019