“SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods”  is the long-awaited sequel to 2019’s “SHAZAM!” which follows the story of Billy Batson (Asher Angel; “Darby and the Dead”), a foster kid that is bullied and harassed at school. All that changes when a wizard named Shazam (Djimon Hounsou; “Black Adam”) grants him the power of the champions. Billy can now transform into his alter ego Shazam! (Zachary Levi; “Thoughts and Prayers”) which he uses, along with the rest of his super-powered foster family to take down any evil forces that come their way. 

Director David F. Sandburg (“The Culling”) does his best to balance heartfelt moments that make one wish for the connection these kids have versus the goofy and eccentric humor from its predecessor film. 

The movie dives into Greek mythology, facing the kids off against Greek goddesses in order to save Earth, which serves as a great set-up, as well as bringing mythical aspects into the repetitive superhero movie genre the likes of Marvel. Critics seem to take issue with the fact that the film is overly ‘bombastic’ and merely pretends to live up to its supposedly ‘superior’ first film. 

While the first movie has charm, wit and likable characters, the sequel manages to provide all of it beyond more. Critics do not understand the idea of a ‘comedy’ movie, it is simply meant to be enjoyable and make you laugh, perhaps while also shedding a tear. 

The use of CGI is heavy in this movie, but it blends well into the world that has been established and it is a treat to the eyes, especially while drawing toward the climactic final battle. The soundtrack can really swell when the action is growing intense, however, it can also amplify a joke on screen, which will propel the audience to laugh out loud. The lighting and color in this movie are very bright, and even when in a dungeon, it feels as if the whole place is lit up. This may feel like a detriment, but it can be eye candy to watch the superheroes flying around. 

There is a character who can shift reality in this movie and the effects give off “Doctor Strange” (2016) aesthetics, which is amazing to witness on the big screen. The cinematography surprisingly catches great angles with some transitions feeling seamless, while others also snap back and forth rapidly between camera shots. It is not “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) levels of poor editing; however, it is not “IT” (2017) where each camera angle is eerie and purposeful. 

The storyline is thorough and although its theme of ‘Family is all or none’ is simple, the execution is well produced. Without touching spoilers, the ending of the film can seem a little jarring and while it is not enough to ruin the film, it feels undeserved and took away what could have been a full circle for the character of SHAZAM! The post-credit scenes in the movie will give fans of DC a rush of excitement for the potential future of James Gunn’s (Peacemaker; Guardians of the Galaxy) DC universe. 

“SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods” is meant to be an enjoyable and hilarious movie while offering something a little different for superhero fans and it delivers on what it has promised.

Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures via YouTube