Movie Review: Shazam: Fury of the Gods

 

It's been four years since "Shazam!" hit the big screen to introduce lots of lighting and shouting a certain magic word, and at the end of the first film we didn't get just one new superhero in Billy Batson - but a whole bunch of them as the kid shared his powers with his foster family and collectively became known as the Shazam Family! That film was definitely a DC movie unlike any other, and traded the seriousness and dark atmosphere of the DCEU for something more grounded and family oriented that worked to the character's strengths while providing a hearty serving of jokes and adventure that ensured viewers it was all about the fun and not taking things seriously at all.

With the first film proving to be a Box Office success, a sequel was inevitable and now it has arrived after long delays and a pandemic to navigate through. Shazam: Fury of the Gods is finally showing in theaters - and I got the chance to see the film in all its magical glory and silly heroics on IMAX thanks to the folks at Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema! There was lots of fun, cosplay, and definitely an atmosphere full of energy! Was it worth the wait and does it live up to its predecessor? Check out the review below and of course here's your SPOILER WARNING in case you want to see it wit fresh eyes!

Movie Review: SHAZAM!

The DC Extended Universe has experienced quite the resurgence following a much needed change of pace by inserting a more adventurous and lighter tone in their films. It began last December with the Jason Momoa led "Aquaman" - with the King of the Seven Seas dominating the box office and taking us on a wild sea adventure full of action and spectacle. Now another hero rises to take us on a coming of age journey like no other.. And it's full of the stuff that kids and adults will enjoy because the hero in literally a Man Child with powers!!!

Of course, I'm talking about Billy Batson - a kid searching for his family who ends up in foster care and the unwitting inheritor of magical powers that turns him into a powerful adult with superpowers called "SHAZAM!". Based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name, this is a movie that serves as a representation of every kid's dream fantasy of turning into a superhero - what do you do with all that power when you get it and how will you use it? Thanks to director David F. Sandberg we get the answer in a FUN ENERGETIC MOVIE that introduces us to a hero who is relatable and a kid at heart... Literally!

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to see the movie last March 28 during the IMAX press screening - and the format is all kinds of WOW bringing Billy and his big boy alter ego to life as he faces off a dark reflection of himself in Dr. Thaddeus Sivana! As a fan of the DC Universe, how does this film fare bringing this particular magic powered hero to the big screen? Well here we go with the review to "Say The Word"!