"Shazam: Fury of the Gods" Review - A Supercharged Sequel That Delivers Laughs and Action
Review: The highly anticipated sequel to "Shazam!" is finally here, and "Fury of the Gods" is everything fans could hope for and more. With a perfect balance of humor and action, director David F. Sandberg delivers a fun and entertaining movie that is sure to please both comic book enthusiasts and casual moviegoers.
The film picks up where the first movie left off, with Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his superhero alter-ego Shazam (Zachary Levi) still adjusting to their newfound powers. However, when ancient monsters threaten to destroy the world, the superhero family must come together to save the day.
Critics have praised the film for its humor, action, and heart. Peter Debruge from Variety writes, "It's a winning formula that Sandberg and his team have perfected, with 'Fury of the Gods' delivering enough action and laughs to satisfy audiences of all ages." Meanwhile, Eric Eisenberg from CinemaBlend says, "It's a fantastic time at the movies that has great balance, fantastic performances, and an amazing sense of fun."
One of the standout performances comes from the film's villain, Hespera, played by Helen Mirren. Mirren brings a sense of gravitas to the role, making her a formidable foe for the superhero family. As Owen Gleiberman from Variety notes, "Helen Mirren gives the movie a touch of class, lending her character a sly, wryly amused quality that makes her a kick to watch." Also one to watch is Rachel Zegler, who is fast becoming a star of the silver screen following her breakout performance in 2021’s West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg.
The highly anticipated superhero sequel "Shazam: Fury of the Gods" hit theaters this past weekend, but unfortunately, the box office numbers didn't quite live up to expectations. According to Variety, the film brought in $30.5 million in its opening weekend, which is below projections and a drop from the original "Shazam!" film's opening weekend of $53 million in 2019.
The disappointing opening weekend numbers are likely due to a combination of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused many moviegoers to stay home, as well as DC’s decision to pivot its entire DC Extended Universe (DCEU) away from its current roster of characters, including Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman (who does make an appearance in this film) as well as Henry Cavill’s Superman.
Despite the slow start, there's still hope for "Shazam: Fury of the Gods" to have a strong box office run. The film has received mostly positive reviews from audiences, with many praising its humor and action. Additionally, the film has a strong fan base from the original "Shazam!" film, which could help to drive ticket sales in the coming weeks.
Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, has also been actively promoting "Shazam: Fury of the Gods" through various marketing campaigns, including social media and partnerships with brands. These efforts could help to build momentum for the film and attract more moviegoers in the weeks ahead. It is estimated that Warner Bros. put $100 million into the marketing of the Shazam! sequel.
It's worth noting that box office numbers aren't everything, and a film's success can be measured in many different ways. "Shazam: Fury of the Gods" may not have had the strongest opening weekend, but it's still a fun and entertaining movie that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. With strong word-of-mouth and continued promotion, there's still a chance for the film to have a successful run in theaters.