Now available on digital and on on viewing formats (Blu-ray, DVD, Ultra 4K) is the sequel to the film Shazam! entitled Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The first film in the movie franchise was released in 2019.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods stars some actors from the original film such as Zachary Levi, Grace Caroline Currey, Rachel Zegler, Mary Bromfield, Anthea, Marta Milans and Rosa Vásquez, to name a few. There are also a few new faces such as Lucy Liu, Helen Mirren, Djimon Hounsou, and Adam Brody.
Admittedly, I didn’t see the original film in the series when it was released. When I saw the trailer for this film, Fury of the Gods, I thought the special effects looked amazing. So I purchased the original film to add to my family’s movie collection, and watched it so I I knew the original backstory to the characters. I think it does help to know the people and their stories from the original film, however, you can certainly still watch this film and know what it going on. It’s not mandatory that you see the film film, it just helps.
Here is the film’s official synopsis;
Shazam! Fury of the Gods continues the story of teenage Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam. Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy—aka Shazam (Zachary Levi)—and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.
The trailer for this film did NOT disappoint. The special effects/CGI in this film is amazing. It was even better than the itty bits that were shown in the film’s trailer. The dragon was my favorite movie sequence. He looked so real!
I’m normally a Marvel person. I enjoy those films more so than DC films. But the Shazam! films are my favorites in the DC Universe (along with Aquaman and the first Wonder Woman film). In fact, I liked this film a bit more than the original. I think there was more to the storyline with this film, as well as more special effects/CGI.
This film is a sci-fi fantasy, however, it can also be seen as a comedy. Even in serious scenes, there is usually a bit of humor. Sometimes it felt like the writers felt like the HAD to interject some humor, but it falls flat (no funny or needed – kind of like “dad jokes”). Other times the humor interjection is spot on and really adds to the overall scene.
I loved the reference to the Fast and the Furious films when Shazam was talking with Hespera (Mirren). I’m referring to his comment about family (that was a big deal for Mirren’s character in the Fast and the Furious films). I also love how much Mirren can really transform herself into every character she plays. She may be an older actress, but that does not mean she cannot hold her own, even in an action packed sci-fi/fantasy film. Helen Mirren rocks!
Lucy Liu is the scarier of the two sisters (Kalypso). She’s another actress that can kick butt when it’s called for in a movie.
Kudos to the film studio for having holder actresses play the roles. I appreciate that more so than I would much younger actresses.
Overall I think this is a fun, family film. It’s rated PG-13, mostly due to the intense action and violence. There is no sex or nudity, and I honestly don’t recall if there were was any foul language. I don’t think so.
The fun time is two hours and ten minutes, which is a lot for some people. I’m used to watching love films (Marvel films tend to be long). I do think they could have cut out scenes here and there and the story line still would have worked smoothly, but that’s just me.
Here are the bonus features found on Blu-ray, DVD and Ultra 4K;
Shazam! Fury of the Gods 4K disc contains the following special feature:
- Director’s Audio Commentary with David F. Sandberg
Shazam! Fury of the Gods Premium Digital Ownership and Blu-ray disc contains the following special feature:
- SHAZAM! Let’s Make a Sequel – featurette
- The Rock of Eternity: Decked Out – featurette
- The Shazamily Reunion – featurette
- The Zac Effect – featurette
- The Sisterhood of the Daughters of Atlas – featurette
- Pay By Play: Scene Breakdown – featurettes
- Ben Franklin bridge collapse
- Rooftop battle of the gods
- Unicorn ride in Philadelphia
- Epic showdown at the baseball stadium
- The Mythology of Shazam! – featurette
- Director’s Audio Commentary with David F. Sandberg
- Deleted Scenes, Alternate & Extended Scenes
Look for Shazam! Fury of the Gods where ever you purchase or rent movies.
Below you will find the film’s theatrical trailer for your enjoyment. The film is no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.