Shazam! Fury Of The Gods Review: A Reminder That Superhero Flicks Can Be Fun

DC is certainly going through a tough time with recent releases. The Suicide Squad reboot, Black Adam, and Batgirl all failed to make a mark, leaving the franchise in desperate need of a hero. Unfortunately, what we have with the sequel to Shazam! is a messy, murky attempt that feels like DC is trying to cosplay Marvel.

The first Shazam! was a decent flick, showcasing the ultimate kid wish-fulfillment fantasy. The story follows orphaned teen Billy Batson, who discovers he can transform into a grown-up superhero, thanks to the magic word "Shazam!"But instead of building on the first film's premise, the sequel chooses to ignore the potential of a super-team and relies on a bloated plot that lacks coherence.

Director David F. Sandberg squanders his own "Big meets The Avengers" premise by reducing the sequel to a quip-filled, action-packed mess. The plot is overstuffed, under-lit, and ultimately forgettable. The film features a random assortment of elements, including wooden dragons, magic pens, giant forcefields, Gal Gadot cameos, and unseemly product placement.

To make things worse, the three new villains - played by Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler - seem out of place and disinterested in their roles.

The cast is not spared either, as the characters feel interchangeable, lacking individual personalities, and distinct identities. Billy still possesses all his powers, and his siblings share the same abilities. The new side characters are not compelling enough, and Jack Dylan Grazer is still the more likable of the bunch. The climax is big and silly, but there is a cheap and clumsy feel to everything, making it hard to car.

The film's post-credit stings show that DC is aiming for a place in a shared universe, but it's hard to be enthusiastic about it when the studio is yet to master its own franchise. Marvel has proven that a successful superhero universe requires a coherent plot, strong characters, and a vision. Perhaps DC could learn from its rival and make its own mark in the superhero gen

A few logic issues, but an overall great visit with the Shazamily

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The sequel to "Shazam" is a mixed bag, with some elements succeeding more than others. However, one area where the film truly excels is its humor. Freddy's quips and Zachery Levi's impeccable comedic timing, as well as clever lines from the foster parents, all contribute to a genuinely funny movie. Additionally, the action sequences are impressive, with a plethora of monstrous creatures drawn from Greek mythology making for a visually stunning spectacle. Of particular note is the imaginative reinterpretation of the unicorn, which trades in its saccharine image for a more eerie and atmospheric one, reminiscent of "Sleepy Hollow

Some of the story's finer details do provoke some uneasy questions that don't admit elegant answers. Much is made of the staff sought by the film's villains, and by and large, it's well explained that it effectively closed off our realm to the Gods ... but it's curious how that squares with film-established Wonder Woman lore, like the continued Earthly activities of Ares in "Wonder Woman," Dolos' powers in "Wonder Woman 1984," and the Amazonian deity herself. 

Similarly, the villains' powers are a little inconsistent. Kalypso starts out exhibiting tremendously chaotic and destructive powers (think "The Empty Man" by way of "28 Days Later"), badass abilities she never uses again (but which are frankly better than her later plan). Hespera is supposed to have elemental powers, but we mainly see her use some vague telekinesis and shields that make the Invisible Woman look lazy.

"Shazam 2" hits the comic book movie sweet spot. The performances are strong, the humor lands, and the stakes feel high with comic book panache and the kinds of visuals one only gets in a comic book (business-destroying minotaurs, anyone?). Billy Batson's arc may need a little more honing, but Freddy gets a chance to actually shine, and it really works. There are certainly criticisms, but if the goal is a flashy good time where a kid in a god's body uppercuts a dragon, look no further.

Reun