Understands the Superhero Assignment Well Enough (Shazam Fury of the Gods)

After Black Adam, anything part of the Shazam universe would be questionable. Shazam Fury of The Gods offers more than expected with its well-to-do plot and mythology-based fun. The sequel to an underrated connection to the DCEU, Fury of The Gods is anything but mediocre. Although not as iconic as the original, Shazam still brings magic and memorable family fun. 

Taking place 2 years after the original film, the Shazam family is saving the world like every other superhero would only to be ridiculed by the public for not doing enough. Same old stuff but when Philadelphia is threatened by The Daughters of Atlas, Billy Batson is forced to face the possibility of his foster siblings not always being there while he struggles with turning 18 and not being part of the foster system anymore. Staying somewhat true to Greek Mythology and the lore of the comics, this superhero adventure is more adventurous than most despite its setting stuck in familiar Philly. (unlike most fictional cities in the DC universe)

From its family-friendly tone and alright dialogue choices, Shazam works well when you pay attention to the scale of the story. Going deep into mythology even if not accurate, bodes well for audiences who are familiar with what a superhero movie can offer them. Unlike Black Adam, all elements introduced make sense and do not feel forced in by reshoots or retooling due to scheduling conflicts or drama ensuing behind the camera, that is until you watch the scene before the epilogue, of course. 

Zachary Levi did make Shazam what it once was but even though certain antics have occurred to make him undesirable, his acting choices as Shazamed Billy Batson is over acted just downright ridiculous. You could say the same with the other members of the Shazamed siblings but they play their roles well. Levi feels like he is trying to hone in on the teenage part of himself way too much that you just get too annoyed to pay attention to him. UNFORTUNATELY, since he has so much screen time, we barely see Asher Angel's take on the character which is a sad waste. Luckily, the same cannot be said for the Shazam siblings, Shazamed or not. They are given much more time to develop and they are cared for well to be better additions and champions to the wizard's magic. Jack Dylan Grazer is hilarious as always and also proves he should be hired in bigger Hollywood projects more often, especially after his work in IT and We Are Who We Are. 

When it comes to the Daughters of Atlas, Helen Mirren steals the screen every time with her strong one-liners. Rachel Zegler may not make a strong impression here as she did in her debut role in West Side Story, but she does make do with her surprising yet cliche-like arc. As much as a fan I can be for Lucy Liu, she brought nothing memorable to the table. You could not help but wonder why her performance was so wooden despite acting alongside a legend and a newcomer that's taking over the industry.

The arc that continues from the first film that should be appreciated the most in this film is the journey of Billy Batson, and you would have to look past Zachary Levi's performance to do that. From an orphan that did not want this family, Biily's trauma of being abandoned leads him to think that his current one will leave him too. It's a struggle many will relate to. The film also spends enough time dealing with the plot points as well as expanding the Shazam part of the DECU in ways that should make longtime fans of the comics and fans who enjoyed the predecessor feel good when they are reintroduced to this set of heroes. 

Shazam may not be as memorable as the first but it is way better than Black Adam. Unlike the Dwayne Johnson-led mess of a film, Shazam works better as a film, a narrative, and a superhero popcorn flick to take family and friends to have a good laugh or have a good day, in general. With lessons of bravery, kindness, and selflessness, Shazam Fury of the Gods may be too lighthearted to most but understands the 'superhero assignment' better than more recent films.