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.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) is a lively and comedic superhero film that follows the journey of Billy Batson (Shazam) and his foster family of super-powered teens as they face off against the daughters of Atlas, led by the vengeful Hespera. The plot sees the Shazam family trying to stop the evil goddesses, who threaten to destroy Earth with a powerful magic apple. Billy and his siblings, alongside the wise Wizard, must confront their fears and grow into their powers, learning the value of family and responsibility in the process.
The film opens with Billy and his adopted siblings continuing to live their superhero lives after gaining powers from a wizard. The peace is shattered when the daughters of Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea (Rachel Zegler), arrive with their own set of godly abilities. Their goal is to use the magic apple to bring destruction to the Earth, forcing Billy and his family to confront their own personal struggles, such as Billy’s fear of aging out of his family as he nears adulthood.
As the Shazam family faces various challenges, including the loss of their powers, Billy’s growth as a leader becomes central to the narrative. With heartfelt moments and explosive action, Billy ultimately sacrifices himself to save his family and the city, proving his true worth as a hero.
Why Watch It:
- Charming Performances: Zachary Levi’s portrayal of Shazam brings a fun and endearing energy to the character, as he balances the struggles of being a teen with the responsibility of being a hero
- Emotional Depth: The film delves into themes of family, self-worth, and growing up, as Billy fears being abandoned by his siblings as he reaches adulthood
- Strong Villains: The addition of powerful goddesses, played by Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, creates an engaging contrast to the youthful Shazam family. Their motivations and powers add significant stakes to the plot
- Action-Packed Sequences: The film delivers thrilling action scenes, including battles with dragons and magical creatures, that will appeal to fans of epic superhero battles
- Comedy and Heart: As a superhero film with humor and heart, it stands out for its witty moments and the bond between Billy and his family, offering a refreshing take on the genre
- Lively World-Building: The world of gods and mythical creatures brings a fantasy dimension to the Shazam universe, making it an enjoyable ride for viewers looking for magical action
With a balance of humor, emotion, and high-stakes action, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a worthy sequel that builds on the charm of its predecessor while adding new layers to the characters and their development.