The first social media reactions to Warner Bros.’ Shazam! have officially hit the internet like a lightning bolt. It’s been an intriguing lead-up to the film ever since first footage appeared; even more than the endless optimism of Wonder Woman and boundless yah-brah enthusiasm of Aquaman, Shazam! marks a sharp left turn away from the pre-Justice League dourness into the lighter side of the DCEU. This hinges on star Zachary Levi, playing the aged-up alter-ego of the fourteen-year-old Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who is granted mystical powers by an ancient Wizard (Djimon Hounsou).

Directed by David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) from a script by Henry Gayden (Earth to Echo), Shazam! also stars Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong, Michelle Borth, and Ross Butler.

The first reactions are pretty overwhelmingly positive. The word “fun” comes up a lot, and while most single out the humor, quite a few critics also describe this as a family (or at least family-centric) film, which is certainly a first for the DCEU. It appears that’s where the emotional center of the movie is, with comparisons made not only to Big, but Home Alone as well. Seeing as how most superhero movies—which are admittedly aimed at younger audiences—are about adults, the focus on actual kids here could be a game-changer.

While the praise in some reactions is qualified by a few nitpicks regarding the villain plot and going a bit over-the-top with the humor, others are already saying Shazam! is their favorite DC film thus far. It’ll be interesting to see how general audiences respond in a month’s time.

Full reviews of Shazam! won’t be available for a bit longer, but you can check out the first, immediate reactions below. The film hits theaters on April 5.

loved #Shazam. It's super fun, very funny (a few times people were laughing so loud I missed dialogue), and exactly what they set out to make: 'Big' meets Superman. @ZacharyLevi is perfectly cast but the real surprise is @Jgrazerofficial as Freddy Freeman. Steals the show. pic.twitter.com/ssvs8Dwc2P — Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) March 8, 2019

Another thing that's great about #Shazam is #DC didn't try and make a movie that fits in perfectly with the larger DC Universe. They just focused on making a great Shazam movie and hit a homerun. DC is def on a winning streak. Bring on Todd Phillips 'Joker'! pic.twitter.com/sH1kyprCMZ — Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) 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

I absolutely loved #Shazam! It's my favorite DC film yet. Zachary Levi as Shazam was perfect casting and the kids absolutely steal the show. It's an amazing family movie with dope fight scenes and great humor! You guys are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/pZd5oORVA3 — Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) 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

Loved #Shazam! Hilarious and cute. Obsessed with the “Shazamily.” Excites to see more fun superhero moves from DC. pic.twitter.com/IYspuTavYP — Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) March 8, 2019

Finally allowed to say that #Shazam was fantastic! Full of heart and pure childhood wish fulfillment. It's funny and the tone is exactly right. @zacharylevi is perfect in the role, and so is @asherangel, who I'm convinced is @maisie_williams' brother! pic.twitter.com/DXhp2ZBteR — Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) March 8, 2019

Shazam! is another win for DC. Sure, the humor & action you'd expect from a superhero film are there, but #ShazamMovie stands out because of the emotional, family story at its center. I had some small issues with the hero/villain aspects but the family stuff is dynamic & powerful pic.twitter.com/FYM3QVp5hu — Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is parts Home Alone, parts Big, a crowd pleasing family-friendly joy-filled wish-fulfillment superhero film which gets a bit over the top and cheesy at times. It’s fun and funny, and I was surprised at how much it wears it’s heart on its sleeve. — Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) March 8, 2019

#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

DC is finally building a solid run: #Shazam is a delight! Its familiar origin structure is forgivable because of all the new it brings to the table – primarily it's gleeful, childlike enthusiasm, & heartfelt perspective on family. It's also the role Zachary Levi was born to play. pic.twitter.com/5zXtfFDBGm — Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 8, 2019

Shazam! is DC’s most joyful & sweet movie since the era of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, a funny yet earnest coming of age story about a boy who learns that, well, with great power comes great responsibility. It doesn’t reinvent the superhero movie wheel, but it’s undeniably fun! pic.twitter.com/rdT8zljkxo — Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is as liberated a comic book movie for DC as Deadpool was for Fox-Marvel;, not in the latter’s profanely meta way but in a similarly hilarious, lovable, and oddly sweet manner. It makes you understand why Shazam the character has endured for eight decades. pic.twitter.com/zgsfmagVML — Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) March 8, 2019

#Shazam is a super-powered BIG & I LOVED every second of it. A colorful, vibrant, vital addition to the DCEU. Vivid character-driven action, heartrending central relationships & fully earned, totally satisfying emotional moments. Super hilarious. Super thrilling. Super awesome! pic.twitter.com/KelHZ5YzFq — Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 8, 2019

Here’s the synopsis for Shazam!