Shazam! Fury of the Gods, continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego, Shazam.
Shazam! is a lot of fun and it further proves how, in the wake of the success of Wonder Woman and Aquaman, DC’s movie future is bright. Zachary Levi was born to play this superpowered man-child, delivering lots of laughs alongside sarcastic but amiable co-star Jack Dylan Grazer.
When Billy and his superhero foster siblings hear that the evil Daughters of Atlas may be wielding an ultra-powerful weapon, the team must jump back into action and defend their world. Expect some scares and superhero action violence in this action-packed sequel.
Shazam! is DC’s most joyful and sweet movie since the days of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, a funny yet earnest coming-of-age story about a boy who learns that, well, with great power comes great responsibility. So obviously, Shazam! doesn’t reinvent the superhero movie, but it’s an undeniably fun time that leaves you wanting more big-screen adventures with these charming characters.
The key message of Shazam! is that it’s gravely important how adults treat children, whether it’s through remarks, rejections or the choices adults make that impact a child’s emotional development. At the same time, it’s ultimately up to the child to decide whether they turn out kind or unkind.
This isn’t an action movie, per se, but a coming-of-age comedy with some action in it. There are some very funny, very knowing superhero moments to be had as Billy/Shazam discovers the range of his newfound powers. These are the scenes where the movie shines brightest, poking fun at all the superhero movie tropes.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods, rated PG, plays at the Patricia Theatre from March 24 to 30 at 7 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, March 26, at 1:30 pm. Running time is two hours and 10 minutes.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society.
