Shazam! Fury of The Gods is an action packed, feel good movie, with a refreshing twist in which highlights our childlike nature and youth. From the comedy, mixed with honesty and hard truths, Zacahry Levi dominated the role of Shazam! Throughout the film, audiences get the opportunity to see an array of advanced cinematography, suspense, energy, accompanied with humor and heartfelt moments. The cast did a wonderful job of providing an authentic depiction of adolescence and the awkwardness of our teenage years, while also incorporating the superhero storyline that DC Studios is so iconically known for. Shazam! Fury of Gods, is a sequel to the first Shazam that was released in 2019, and was absolutely worth the wait.
Granted with powers of the gods, Billy Batson along with his fellow foster siblings are faced with the challenges of saving the world, all while still trying to navigate their teenage lives with their adult superhero alter egos. Known by the community as The Philadelphia Fiascos, Billy, and his foster siblings, Freddy, Mary, Eugene, and Darla, hold their own unique powers which unite them together.This film explores the lives of these siblings, but also how they translate this into their adult personas as superhero’s. Billy Batson holds the powers of Shazam, which have been bestowed upon him by the last surviving member of the Council of Wizards. The Wizard chose Billy because he had the faith and courage that Billy could take his power and use it for the better; for he believed in Billy perhaps more than Billy believed in himself. The film takes audiences on a whirlwind of emotions as the Philadelphia Fiascos unite together to retrieve the magical Staff which holds the powers of the Key of Life, where all supernatural powers are stored and kept. However, this challenge is far from easy, as they encounter the Daughters of Atlas, played by Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler, who ultimately serve as the sequel’s primary villains.
Director David F. Sandberg eloquently displayed to audiences an array of subjects tied into one storyline. He particularly sheds light on the struggles Billy goes through in his teenage years, and how his fears of abandonment, and losing his family ultimately affects his superhero self Shazam. For so long, all Billy truly desired was a steady home, and family that would embrace him, and in this film we witness how that imposter syndrome of feeling like he is not good enough relates to Shazam, and his heroic purpose. The film demonstrates an enthralling, audacious storyline at its surface, but also explores the complexities and depths of our inner selves at its core. Zachary Levi undoubtedly captivated audiences with his performance as Shazam, by bringing the energy, humor, and strong willed persona, towards the role. He explained that bringing out that bubbly child-like nature was what helped him tap into his character throughout the film, “I just try to enjoy the day in particular as Billy, since I’m trying to be a younger version of myself, I try to have as much fun as possible.” explained Levi. Shazam! Fury Of The Gods endured audiences right from the beginning with the magic and action, but still remained a heartfelt, genuine film for many to enjoy. It is unarguably a must watch!