Initial Impressions
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” arrives with two inherent challenges: it’s a studio-produced sequel and a 2023 superhero movie. These elements often predict a certain level of monotonous, committee-driven creativity, despite the surprisingly decent 2019 original “Shazam!”.
Direction and Tone
Director David F. Sandberg, who also helmed the first film, continues to move away from both Troma Lite cynicism and post-Spielberg sentimentality. This approach aligns with the James Gunn-style super-projects that have become popular.
Plot Overview
The sequel delves further into a more conventional direction. The original “Shazam!” focused on Billy Batson and Freddy Freeman, two adolescents who, along with their orphan buddies, are drawn into a generic fantasy. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” follows the comic book formula more closely, despite another strong comedic performance from Zachary Levi.
Villains and Conflict
Billy, Freddy, and their foster family face off against the Daughters of Atlas, led by Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), who seek to avenge their father. The identity of the third Daughter remains a mystery for a while.
Character Dynamics
The film emphasizes Billy’s anxieties about aging out of his family, now that he’s nearing 18. The “Marvel Family” continues to grapple with their identities and superpowers, though they remain unknown to most Philadelphians, who call them the “Philly Fiascos.”
Humor and Performance
The movie’s humor relies on its ensemble cast, particularly Levi’s portrayal of Shazam and Adam Brody’s “Super Freddy.” The villains, however, don’t leave a significant impact, despite Mirren’s notable performance.
Emotional and Adolescent Themes
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” hints at a warmer adolescent super-drama, with clear dialogue expressing Billy’s fear of aging out of his family. However, other family members’ storylines are underdeveloped.
Romantic Subplots
Billy’s and Freddy’s romantic interests, including Billy’s daydreams about Wonder Woman and Freddy’s crush on Anthea (Rachel Zegler), add to the film’s attempt to address teenage concerns, though the chemistry falls flat.
Conclusion
While Levi’s energetic performance adds charm, the film’s big action scenes and humor often miss the mark. Despite the crowded character list, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” delivers an acceptable sequel, though it struggles to recapture the original’s magic. The future of Levi’s Shazam remains uncertain amid the larger DC cinematic landscape.
