About the film (courtesy of Warner Bros.):
From New Line Cinema comes Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.
It’s been four years since we’ve seen Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his electric alter ego, Shazam (Zachary Levi). He, along with his family of friends are back to face a new threat to the place they call home. They will have their hands full when facing a couple of gods, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), hellbent on bringing a darkness to our world. Shazam! Fury of the Gods looks to up the ante in this game of good versus evil.
Unlike several other DCU films, and I truly hope and believe that this will become the new trend (especially with the new leadership and focus brought onboard), the core cast, director and even one of the writers have returned to further explore this entertaining arc of super heroes. David F. Sandberg brings with him a familiar blend of action, comedy and peril that’s sure to provide exactly what’s needed to further propel this DC character’s exposure to more mainstream eyes since we’re not dealing with the premium first tier of characters that almost everyone is very familiar with.
It is in the slight obscurity that brings a little extra joy, excitement and potential entertainment for those opting to invest their time and money in the budding franchise. Shazam! (2019) was a very pleasant surprise, mostly because many didn’t see it coming, well maybe not the level of enjoyment that was to be had. Shazam! Fury of the Gods doesn’t get to have the advantage of being an unknown because fans now have a certain expectation set.
David F. Sandberg stays true to what worked the first time out, for the most part. There’s quite a bit to laugh at and there’s tons of action throughout laced with lots of comedy. Since getting most of the origin stories out of the way the first time around, Shazam! Fury of the Gods takes the time to build character relationships a bit further. This allows for additional emotional attachment to what some of these characters are going through.
All-in-all, Shazam! Fury of the Gods will be a fun time out at the theater, but it also doesn’t quite live up to the overall experience of the first film. As I said earlier, expectations may have a bit to do with that. I will say that this film is more well crafted than last year’s Black Adam (2022), so the slight regression isn’t anything to worry about. And definitely sit through all of the credits if you want to get every single piece of what’s offered. We’ve entered a brand new world in the DCU and some things are starting to show their differences.
You can see Shazam! Fury of the Gods only in theaters starting Friday, March 17th with earlier showtimes today.
