Shazam! Fury of the Gods
2023 · Directed by David F. Sandberg
Original language: English
- comedy
- action
- fantasy
The story
Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who transform into superheroes by saying "Shazam!", are forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters of Atlas, who they must stop from using a weapon that could destroy the world.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated daylight and glossy digital polish give this sequel the look of a big-budget comic page brought to life, with neon-lit city nights, sunlit rooftops and gleaming CGI skies carrying most of the frame. The camera is busy and kinetic, with fast cuts, sweeping aerial moves and wide establishing shots that make the scale feel theatrical, while the score is brassy and bouncy, punctuated by pop-song needle drops that keep the energy playful. The vibe is joyous, goofy and warm: a rowdy, big-hearted popcorn afternoon rather than anything brooding. Its pacing is brisk and loud, and its tone is comedic even when the stakes swell toward world-ending, with the humour coming from sibling squabbling and a teenager discovering how to wield a grown-up body. Its central arc is a found family learning to trust one another and stand together. Violence is frequent and cartoonish, with superhero fistfights and destructive set pieces that are stylised and bloodless rather than grim, and there is some peril and mild scary imagery of monstrous foes. It suits a lively weekend watch, a comfort-rewatch on a lazy afternoon, or a group movie night for people who want escapist, goofy superhero fun.
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