Shazam! Fury of the Gods (Review)

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 done away with its insistence on being dark and embraced the inherent goofiness of superheroes, it has typically turned in 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 new powers, he knows he is about to turn 18 and leave the foster system, an event that not even his superpowers can change. Therefore, Billy desperately attempts to keep the family together at every turn, much to the other’s chagrin. But as Billy tries to navigate his concerns for the future, a new threat throws the family unit into danger: the Daughters of Atlas, led by Hespera (Helen Mirren). The daughters not only desire a weapon that could recreate their realm but potentially hold the ability 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 is clearly having a whale of a time. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren, a phenomenal actor of impeccable range, plays it straight opposite Levi’s giddy goofiness, creating both an intimidating and complimentary performance. However, Rachel Zegler is the scene stealer, her on-screen chemistry with Jack Dylan Grazer 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 influences the action and cinematography for the better. 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 in the film’s cheek 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 wider 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 – namely in the climax, where a potentially powerful outcome is substituted for quite a cheap reversal and shoehorned cameo appearance. 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 and 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 is a fun romp with heart, humour and excitement to spare, and sometimes that’s all a movie needs to be.