`Shazam! Fury of the Gods` review: Predictable but highly entertaining and goofy – Moviesapple

Film: Shazam! Fury of the GodsCast: Helen Mirren, Jack Dylan Grazer, Lucy Liu, Rachel Zegler, Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Faithe Herman, Jovan Armand, Ian ChenDirector: David F.

SandbergRating: 3/5Runtime: 130 mins Director David F Sandberg's attempt to rekindle that teenage zest and mirth that 'Shazam, so contagiously advocated, proves successful enough.

The introductory edition was a quirky, charming outing that fortified its fandom by attracting kids and preteens more than teens and adults. It's a playful story of the young Billy

Batson (Asher Angel) who, by uttering the magic word 'Shazam!' transformed into his alter ego, the adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi), won hearts without much ado. The sequel

Shazam! Fury of the Gods may not be deep or fulfilling but it is a perfectly acceptable kid-friendly comic book movie. It carries forward the over-the-top goofy vibe its

predecessor exhibited, and manages to get enough comic mileage out of challenges faced by kids and teenagers who suddenly find themselves in adult bodies with superpowers. The

adult superheroes may not have any problems poking fun at themselves or pulling each other's leg but they are plagued with teenage complexes - in keeping with their real-life

teenage selves. So even when they are out clumsily saving the world (they are dubbed as 'The Philadelphia Fiascoes'), they are plagued with self-doubt and sexual fantasies

particular to the teenage set. The leader (Zachary Levy) of the Shazam pack which also includes unicorn-obsessed Darla (Faithe Herman), ambitious Mary (Grace Caroline Currey),

confused Pedro (Jovan Armand), and obsessive Eugene (Ian Chen), even has improbable dreams of catching Wonder Woman's eye. The narrative juxtaposes teen life with adult superhero

outings - so it`s quite easy to comprehend how Billy and the other kids from the foster home who possess the powers of the gods, find it a little more difficult to adjust to the

transition from normal teens. to adult superheroes and back. Unexpectedly though, we see Billy's best bro Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Glazer), as the one who falls in love with Anne

(Rachel Zegler), a new pretty girl at school. Fury of the Gods has a vengeful trio of ancient gods; Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea arrive on Earth in search

of the magic stolen from them. And the Shazam allies get thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of the world. This sequel ups the ante before the

upcoming DC reboot but will these characters stick around for the long haul? Silliness drives the plot forward, allowing audiences to enjoy its superfluous witticisms and not