David F. Sandberg’s Shazam! is one of the DCEU’s best films for that reason. Its sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods follows a similar approach. Although it is not as strong as other entries, there is plenty here for DC enthusiasts to sink their teeth into. Shazam! Fury of the Gods arrives in cinemas on March 17.
The DC Extended Universe has been a mixed bag ever since the, at best, inconsistent Man of Steel. Yet when the franchise has abandoned its insistence on darkness and embraced superheroes’ inherent goofiness, it has typically produced stronger works. David F. Sandberg’s Shazam! is one of the DCEU’s best films for that reason. Its sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods follows a similar approach. Although it is not as strong as other entries, there is plenty here for DC enthusiasts to sink their teeth into.
Set some time after the first film, Billy Batson (Angel Asher) nervously attempts to fulfil his new role as the superhero Shazam! (Zachary Levi). While Billy’s foster siblings are relishing their newfound powers, he knows he is about to turn 18 and leave the foster system, an event that even his superpowers cannot change. Therefore, Billy desperately attempts to keep the family together at every turn, much to the others’ chagrin. But as Billy navigates his concerns about the future, a new threat puts the family in danger: the Daughters of Atlas, led by Hespera (Helen Mirren). The daughters not only desire a weapon that could recreate their realm but also have the potential to destroy the human world in the process.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods will be a whale of a time for fans who enjoyed the first Shazam! It continues with the tonal choices and characterisation that made the first so amiable and fun, embracing its inherent goofiness while upping the stakes. At times, it teeters on becoming too much for its own good, but there’s more than enough here for diehard and casual fans to enjoy.
What makes Shazam! unique among DC superheroes is that this group of heroes, whose powers were granted to them by an ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou), are children and teenagers. This gives the actors plenty of material to work with, and the whole ensemble clearly has a whale of a time. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren, a phenomenal actor of impeccable range, plays it straight opposite Levi’s giddy goofiness, creating a performance at once intimidating and complimentary. However, Rachel Zegler is the scene stealer, and her on-screen chemistry with Jack Dylan Grazer is bathed in emotion, tenderness, and humour.
Visually, the film is awe-inspiring; the use of magic and mystical realms that distinguish Shazam! from other DC properties enriches the action and cinematography. Although there are instances where the darker lighting appears a little grimy, even for the effect they’re trying to achieve, the generally bright colour palette for much of the run time is a pleasure to experience. Furthermore, the energised action sequences, swift editing work, and playful costumes serve the tone wonderfully.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Only in cinemas from March 17.
There are times when the comedy threatens to go overboard. The self-awareness and referential gags are sometimes wedged so far into the film’s cheek that it’s a wonder they don’t break through. This means some punchlines land bumpily, whereas others hit the mark. Many contemporary superhero films aim to appeal to broader audiences; however, Shazam! Fury of the Gods targets a younger audience, even more so than the first outing. This is not inherently an issue—the superhero genre has historically been aimed at children—but it may catch some older audiences a little off guard.
Most admirable is Sanberg’s consideration of character and theme throughout Shazam! Fury of the Gods. These ambitions don’t always work, notably in the climax, where a cheap reversal and a shoehorned cameo appearance replace a potentially powerful outcome. But when it does, the film excels. The topics of the family unit and the things we do for the collective are prominent, as is the timeless superhero theme of “with great power comes great responsibility”. The film successfully delivers a profoundly engaging spectacle through Sanberg’s kinetic direction and Gayden and Morgan’s striking, intelligent screenplay.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a solid sequel to its equally colourful predecessor, and while it may not reach the heights of Wonder Woman or The Suicide Squad, its presence is a bright spot in a largely hit-and-miss DCEU. While the film may not be anything hugely special overall, it’s a fun romp with heart, humour, and excitement to spare, and sometimes that’s all a movie needs to be.
Follow Us