Gothic unicorns. A bowling ad. A magic pen named Steve. These are just some of the many, Very strange (and not always wonderful) things that Shazam! fury of the gods he throws at you during his execution, along with plenty of absurd mythological expositions and relentless one-liners. It’s a group. Luckily, this superhero sequel also has emotional threads strong enough to keep you interested.
We find Billy Batson (Asher Angel) trying to corner and control his super-powered foster brothers, as they collectively fight crime, save lives, go viral, and earn the unwelcome collective nickname “The Philadelphia Fiascos.” Mary (Grace Caroline Currey) is busy working and studying; Pedro (Jovan Armand) receives actually to baseball; and Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) plays the one-handed vigilante, more empowered than most by the freedom and strength that his version of Shazam (Adam Brody) gives him. Billy is approaching adulthood, which could mean leaving his foster family, and what drives him in this second film is the fear of losing the family he found in the first.
This theme of sisterhood is reflected in the antagonistic daughters of Atlas, the titular rampaging deities, played by a truly godlike Helen Mirren, a refreshingly aloof Lucy Liu, and the ever-magnetic Rachel Zegler. For reasons involving wizards, magical orbs, and a golden apple (don’t dwell on the extremely intricate details again), they want to recapture Shazam’s powers to restore their own kingdom. As grueling as their story is, the juxtaposition of these stoic sisters and their sometimes unnerving seismic powers against the silly humor and modern sensibilities of Billy and his gang is truly compelling. Mirren’s thoroughly serious reading of a ridiculous letter is Fury of the gods the biggest moment of laughter.
More important, Shazam! keep a set you can’t help but root for.
They Shazam! The main problem with the sequel is the amount of What In this. Some of the cool inventions on display have a certain charm, but most look messy and disjointed. The dissonance between Angel’s young, candid Billy and the childish version of Zachary Levi is more evident than ever, exacerbated by the fact that almost all of Billy’s major emotional beats are transmitted through his Shazam. But Grazer remains a standout: Infinitely watchable as the childish but cocky Freddy, his chemistry with Zegler transcends the rather limited connection of their characters on the page.
Despite the information overload and sometimes more fails than blockbuster comedies, there are enough laughs, great comic book moments, and heartfelt entertainment to be had. fury of the gods a fun and frivolous watch. The CGI is consistent and the visuals, especially in the Thor: Ragnarok–esque final act, are often impressive, but more importantly, Shazam! keep a set you can’t help but root for. Paraphrasing Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious film, which at one point Levi’s Caped Crusader names, Shazam! It’s not about friends or otherworldly beings or even being a superhero, really… It’s about family.
Source: EmpireOnline
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
