When "Shazam!" first flew into theaters in 2019, the young-at-heart hero was a breath of fresh air. After being called upon by an ancient wizard, 14-year-old Billy Batson (Asher Angel) gained unbelievable powers as the adult superhero, Shazam (Zachary Levi). And as any teen boy would, he immediately put those powers to excellent use by skipping school, wreaking (accidental) havoc, and bonding with his foster brother, Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer).
At the time, "Shazam!" was a surprisingly pleasant entry in the lackluster DC Extended Universe (sans "Wonder Woman" and maybe "Aquaman," if you're swayed by the drumming octopus). And though it found interesting ways to integrate horror, it veered away from the grim Snyder-era films with its distinct sense of humor. Between being genuinely great and earning plenty of love, a sequel was inevitable. Four years and a complete upheaval of the DCEU later, the Shazamily has returned for "Shazam! Fury of the Gods"! And based on the early buzz, they're more magical than ever.
The "Shazam" magic extends far beyond Billy Batson in "Fury of the Gods," with all of his foster siblings now sharing his special ability to transform into a superhero by uttering a single word. With Mark Strong's Doctor Sivana officially defeated, the family must now contend with the mysterious Daughters of Atlas: Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea (Rachel Zegler). Director David F. Sandberg has returned to helm the sequel, working from a script by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan.
Though not technically the start of a new DC era, the Shazamily could easily have a future in the forthcoming DC Universe; it all depends on the reception (and box office receipts) of their latest adventure. While the public still has a few weeks to go until "Fury of the Gods!" hits theaters, the first reactions have started pouring in — and they're trending toward the positive.
Bigger! Bolder! And A Little Scarier!
The early consensus is that "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" is "bigger" and "bolder," but still holds tight to the heart and humor of the first film. With the origin story out of the way, the movie delves right into the action, which is balanced alongside character development for the beloved foster family. According to Geeks of Color owner Dorian Park, the sequel is even better than the original. "['Shazam! Fury of the Gods'] delivers on every level. The action is spectacular, the humor is on point, and the surprises will leave you wanting more."
#ShazamFuryoftheGods delivers on every level. The action is spectacular, the humor is on point, and the surprises will leave you wanting more. As a fan of the first film, I'm happy to report that this sequel is just as good, if not better. pic.twitter.com/RhYNBN1Yap
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) March 7, 2023
That excitement is echoed across the board: Fandango's Erik Davis praised the humor and the decision to center chosen family, while Variety critic Courtney Howard dubbed the film a "super-powered sequel" with "a super solid, super fun & super smart blend of hilarity, heart & heroics."
The film also includes many standout performances — which is no big surprise given it's packed with immense talent. Discussing Film's Ben Rolph points to Helen Mirren, as does Shahbaz "The Movie Podcast" host, who writes that Mirren, Lucy Liu and Rachel Zegler are "a force to be reckoned with & a joy to watch."
SHAZAM FURY OF THE GODS is endearing, hilarious, entertaining and epic. Helen Mirren stands out as a great addition to Shazam's roster. Sandberg's film is just as engaging as the first, but here the stakes are upped. Huge twists galore, DC fans are going to love Shazam 2 #Shazam pic.twitter.com/nrNedK2xIu
— Ben Rolph / TheDCTVshow (@TheDCTVshow) March 7, 2023
#ShazamFuryOfTheGods is the most FUN I've had at the movies! Filled with comedic charm & heart, there's a lot to love about this family. @LucyLiu, Helen Mirren & @rachelzegler are a force to be reckoned with & a joy to watch. @PonySmasher HITS it outta the park! pic.twitter.com/KSqe8y89nk
— Shahbaz • The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) March 7, 2023
ComicBook.com's Brandon Davis hints that the sequel leans into the realm of horror, much like the first film. He notes that David F. Sandberg "sprinkles some horror elements while maintaining the childish joy & charm of the Shazamily."
I saw #Shazam! Fury of the Gods!It's a really good sequel. The theme of found family delivers great emotional beats. Sandberg sprinkles some horror elements while maintaining the childish joy & charm of the Shazamily.Nothing brand new but highly entertaining! Really enjoyed. pic.twitter.com/7BFToNMRDj
— The Brandalorian (@BrandonDavisBD) March 7, 2023
Black Girl Nerds founder Jamie Broadnax adds, "Shazam continues to lean into his silliness and immaturity in this sequel which tells us this franchise will remain to keep these films funny, light and slapstick-ish. "
Shazam continues to lean into his silliness and immaturity in this sequel which tells us this franchise will remain to keep these films funny, light and slapstick-ish. The sequel comes with more action, compelling villains and a complicated antihero. #ShazamFuryOfTheGods #Shazam2 pic.twitter.com/Po5J64rd91
— Jamie Broadnax 🔜 Disney World (@JamieBroadnax) March 7, 2023
Does Shazam Drop The Ball With Its Third Act?
Naturally, all of this praise doesn't come without criticism. The most frequent critique will be no big surprise to dedicated Marvel Cinematic Universe and DCEU viewers: The dreaded third-act curse may be striking once more. Too often, superhero movies devolved into messy CGI battles that lose sight of the story and according to some, the "Shazam!" sequel is no exception. Digital Spy critic Gabriella Geisinger wrote that somewhere within "Fury of the Gods" is "a fun buddy comedy starring Djimon Hounsou & Jack Dylan Grazer" but added: "Unfortunately, you have to watch 'Shazam 2' to see it."
Within #ShazamFuryOfTheGods is a fun buddy comedy starring Djimon Hounsou & Jack Dylan Grazer. Unfortunately, you have to watch Shazam 2 to see it. Few bright spots bogged down by final act muddy CGI battle. Levi plays Billy as if he's in on the joke — an uncanny valley of humour
— gabriella geisinger ◟̽◞̽ (@gmgeisinger) March 7, 2023
MTV's Tyrell Charles doubled down on that sentiment, adding: "The third act drags way too long which got tiresome."
#ShazamFuryOfTheGods was surprisingly entertaining. It's very much your standard superhero film, but it leans into its childish campy charm which I appreciated. The third act drags way too long which got tiresome, otherwise a fun family film. It was okay 🤷🏿♂️ pic.twitter.com/Hc28PFCrGd
— Tyrell Charles (@TheoriesByT) March 8, 2023
Nerd Reactor's John Nguyen landed on the positive end of the spectrum, dubbing the film "a fun-filled adventure that's a solid follow-up to the first film," but also pointed to the packed extended cast, adding "I wish the movie was longer since there are a lot of characters."
Shazam: Fury of the Gods is a fun-filled adventure that's a solid follow-up to the first film. There is plenty of humor, action, and heart, and it's always a treat to see the family together again. I wish the movie was longer since there are a lot of characters. #ShazamMovie pic.twitter.com/iMLrPZ0bCe
— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) March 7, 2023
Cinema Blend's Eric Eisenberg sums it all up by landing somewhere in between. He writes that the "Shazam!" sequel is "not a game-changing comic book movie," but adds that it "wins you over with its characters and energy."
Shazam! Fury Of The Gods is a super fun and worthy sequel. Not a game changing comic book movie, but it wins you over with its characters and energy. Has some real surprises and a knowing sensibility that suit it well â€" plus some creative and exciting monster action. #ShazamMovie pic.twitter.com/J5gXH3lzzx
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 7, 2023
Totally unbiased spectator James Gunn was also one of the many to weigh in on the film , which he called a "complete blast." The DC co-head also praised Zachary Levi, David F. Sandberg, and Rachel Zegler, adding, "the whole crew killed it."
I love it, it's a complete blast. @ZacharyLevi & @ponysmasher & @rachelzegler & the whole crew killed it. #ShazamMovie https://t.co/GHlv2ToDJd
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 7, 2023
/Film will have a full review up on March 15, and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" will hit theaters on March 17, 2023.
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The post Shazam! Fury of the Gods Early Buzz: Sounds Like the Sequel is a Total Blast appeared first on /Film.