Shazam! Fury of the Gods

This was a very disappointing sequel to say the least. There wasn't anything captivating about it. This was more of a cheesy Disney T. V. movie. The first movie was better in all aspects, do not watch with high hopes.

The characters of Billy and Freddy are not as interesting as they were in the first movie. Freddy's romantic plot is very typical and lame. The whole story is very predictable as is everything about all the villains. The writing of this film is at fault. None of the villains feel like an actual threat even with their destruction and their motives. We just know them to be bad because we are told they are but they do not feel menacing on screen.

What made the ending of the first Shazam exciting was seeing that Billy's brothers and sisters were given powers. This movie completely takes away that excitement by not showcasing any of the other characters or their individual powers. The humor in this movie is a complete let down as it tries so hard to make every line of dialogue a comedy sketch.

There are some mediocre CGI scenes throughout the film mainly during some of the destruction that takes place. There are scenes of poor acting from those who play some of the civilians. The creatures that show up are kind of pointless as no one really fights any of them.

Djimon Hounsou was good as usual although he played a limited role with limited amounts of dialogue. The design of the dragon was pretty cool but otherwise this movie is a poorly made sequel.

The sequel takes us through the Philadelphia fiasco, where Billy and fellow foster kids are enjoying their superhero days in their annoying childish manner. Enters the three daughters of Atlas who wants to take back their powers stolen from them and wreck havoc in the human realm. It is upto the Philly fiasco to be the Champions to beat the goddesses and save the realm.

What works is the humor despite the teens being annoying enough. Billy still is going through the impostor syndrome, trying to figure out where ye fits in. The action set pieces are elaborate and are entertaining for most parts of it. The screenplay checks off all the stuff a comic book sequel needs and the dull moments are lesser than anticipated.

What doesn't work are the weak villains. Though Lucy Liu makes the best of what she can with her riding the dragon in the third act, the trio however come out as bland. I mean they are goddesses who get overwhelmed by a group of kids. Add to this, Zachary Levi as Shazam / Billy is less fun and more desperately trying to be funny. His character didn't fully work for me.

Overall, the film knows it's limitations and plays along.

I mean the best thing I can give this film is that if you loved the first film, then you will love the second film. If you hated the first film, then don't bother with this one. This film literally captures EVERYTHING from the first and somewhat does it again. But for some reason, I think it did it better. The bad guys despite the horrible trailer, are actually not to bad. There perfectly fine one time villains. The action is about the same, visuals mediocre but compared to the MCU great and the comedy hits better. The film is less cringey and actually more funny than the first. Overall, I personally found this film the better version of the first film.

I did not know much about the daughters of Atlas before the film and I know only a little bit more now. Most of the movie was spent on the emotional state of the protagonist and his sidekick and tried to focus on comedy, rather than the story. Worse than the original and not as fun.

I do not know if Billy Batson is going to continue to play a part in the DCEU, but judging from this film, he will not be missed.

Sadly, the best part of the whole experience is the spoiled, uncredited appearance of a certain character.

Stick around for the credits scene, if you decide to watch it, but there is not much need for the one after credits.

The original Shazam! Was a surprise hit as it took many audiences and critics alike. Following four years later, there definitely didn't seem to be that much anticipation regarding this sequel. It sort of went under the radar which resulted in a box office flop.

However even with the flaws of this film, the visuals and characters bring enough energy where it is still an entertaining watch. The mystical aspect with the monsters creatures and dragons weren't bad. Although Lucy Liu and Helen Miren we're both entirely miscast.

It's clear the the writers wanted to appeal more to a family audience with more silly juvenile humor, where which a majority of it didn't work.

One thing which was highly irritating and over the top is the overall acting by Zachary Levi. Him as Shazam is portraying a 17 year old (they mention he's turning 18 in some months) yet he's acting like a 10 year old child. Why exactly were the portrayals by the child Shazam (Billy) and adult Shazam different? The other adult superheroes were portraying their characters accurately.

Also very nice brief Wonder Woman cameo. This was a clear trade for another sequel yet we doubt that happening anymore.

Overall this sequel isn't as good as the original but it's still solid enough. Better than Black Adam and better than these low reviews are claiming it as such.