DC films have recently lost their promise of producing quality films considering some of their latest material.
Black Adam was a moderately successful film however it could not raise itself above what the fans of the character could have expected.
Not to mention the utter downfall of what was the sequel to DC’s Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman 1984.
DC has somehow managed to make their solo projects masterpieces while consistently missing when it comes to the movies within the DCEU.
Their latest film, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods is another example of what had some potential which unfortunately got watered down while increasing the stakes.
This article will discuss a few reasons why the film is a mid-tier movie at best.
Two distinct personalities
One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming film is Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the dynamic between its lead actors, Zachary Levi and Asher Angel.
While both actors play the same character, their personalities couldn't be more different on and off-screen.
Levi is known for his jolly and delightful demeanor, while Angel is more serious and focused.
This contrast creates a unique energy that translates to their performances, and audiences are eager to see how their chemistry will develop in the sequel.
Levi's portrayal of the superhero Shazam is full of energy and humor, capturing the essence of the character's childlike wonder and enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Angel's performance as the young Billy Batson brings a level of seriousness and depth to the film, highlighting the character's struggles and vulnerabilities.
Together, these two distinct personalities create a perfect balance of lighthearted fun and emotional depth that make Shazam! Fury of the Gods a highly anticipated sequel in the superhero genre.
Acknowledging, not solving
One interesting aspect of the first Shazam! film that is likely to continue into the sequel is the acknowledgment of the titular hero's shortcomings.
In the comics, the character is imbued with the wisdom of Solomon, giving him an almost god-like knowledge of the world.
However, the film's version of the character lacks this crucial aspect of his power set. While some fans may see this as a flaw in the adaptation, the filmmakers have leaned into this limitation rather than trying to fix it.
This decision speaks to a larger trend in superhero films, where acknowledging a character's limitations can often be more interesting than simply giving them all the powers they need to solve a problem.
By embracing the fact that Shazam lacks the wisdom of Solomon, the filmmakers are able to create more nuanced and interesting conflicts for the character to face.
It also allows for a more relatable hero, one who must rely on his own intuition and the guidance of his friends to navigate the world around him.
Try hard youngsters
One notable aspect of Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the way in which the younger cast members approach their roles.
In particular, it is striking how the younger actors seem to be taking their performances very seriously, despite the film's comedic tone.
While some viewers may be surprised by this approach, it is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of these young actors.
It is not uncommon for child actors to be seen as less skilled or experienced than their adult counterparts.
However, the younger cast members of Shazam! Fury of the Gods proves that this is not always the case.
Their commitment to their roles and their willingness to take on challenging material is a reminder that age is not always a barrier to great acting.
With a cast including seasoned veterans and up-and-coming young stars, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is sure to offer a dynamic and engaging viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
Show the loss but no consequence
One of the notable weaknesses of Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the way in which it presents moments of loss without fully exploring the consequences of those losses.
For example, the children revealing their superhero identities to their parents is presented as a significant moment of vulnerability and risk.
However, the film never really follows up on the ramifications of this decision, leaving audiences to wonder what might happen next.
Similarly, the destruction of the city by mythical beasts is presented as a major event with far-reaching implications which can be seen in the trailer itself.
However, the film does not explore the fallout of this event in any meaningful way. While it is understandable that the focus of the film is on the heroic efforts of the main characters to save the day, the lack of consequences for these actions leaves the film feeling somewhat hollow.
Ultimately, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a fun and enjoyable superhero romp, but its reluctance to fully explore the weight of its own actions ultimately holds it back from being a truly great film.
FAQ's
Who is Shazam?
Shazam is a superhero character from DC Comics, also known as Billy Batson, who can transform into a powerful adult superhero by saying the word "Shazam!"
What are Shazam's powers?
Shazam possesses the powers of six Greek gods: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury.
Who portrays Shazam in the movie adaptation?
Actor Zachary Levi portrays the adult version of Shazam in the 2019 movie and its sequel.
What is the first Shazam movie about?
The Shazam movie follows the story of Billy Batson, a teenage orphan who gains the ability to transform into an adult superhero by saying the word "Shazam." Billy must learn to harness his powers to fight against the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
