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PHILLY — The DC Extended Universe, or DCEU, has had ups and downs just like any franchise. But one thing about the DCEU is the drastic differences between the peaks and valleys of their roller coaster ride. One of the peaks for me has been 2019's "Shazam!"
The movie was the right amount of silly that made it a great night out at the movies. The sequel, "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" is now ready for the theater and, I have to admit, I was nervous. Could the next installment capture the same magic as the first? Could it make me laugh and keep me entertained? I'm happy to report it did — and it did it very well.
Here are a few reasons I really enjoyed "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" and why I think it's the first movie of 2023 worth catching at the theater.
Reasons to see it
Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer
One of the things that made the first "Shazam!" so great was the chemistry and delivery from Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer. Thankfully, the filmmakers realized that and gave us more of the same. These two are the leads of the film and they make for a hilariously good time. The two are great actors in their own right but, together, they make a wildly enjoyable duo.
Aside from Levi and Grazer, the rest of the cast is great, as well. Everyone seems to be having a great time making this movie and that resonates with an audience. Notable performances include Djimon Hounson, Ross Butler and Meagan Good.
It's equal parts funny and heartfelt
I know this movie is a superhero movie, but I feel like it's more of a comedy than anything else and I loved that. I was laughing quite a bit and there were times I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Levi, Grazer and Adam Brody deliver some hilarious moments and, just know, I'll never hear the tagline "Taste the Rainbow" or eat Skittles and not think of this movie.
While the movie will have you laughing, it also manages to pack a lot of heart into it and I found myself getting choked up on multiple occasions. You care about these characters and their journeys and you can't help but get emotional with some of the story arcs.
I know the "Fast and Furious" franchise owns the "family" message, but "Shazam!" may be giving it a run for its money. I mean, there are only two of these films and now 10 of the other, but I like the family message in "Shazam!" and it can really get the waterworks going.
If a movie can make you laugh and cry all while enjoying yourself that's a good sign.
It's a fun movie
Some movies are meant to make you laugh. Others try to make you feel something or endeavor to tell an important or compelling story. I believe the intention of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" was to entertain the audience and, I have to tell you, it did just that.
I had a great time during the 2-hour, 10-minute run time. I never caught myself looking at my watch or finding my mind drifting. I was invested in this thing from start to finish and had a smile on face, throughout.
What parents should know
When it comes to whether this movie is appropriate for kids or not — I'll leave that up to you, but I will say this movie is quite similar to the first "Shazam!" A few curse words here and there, but not more than what you hear in other superhero films. It is a little jarring at times, however, when they're delivered by children or teens as opposed to adults. There is one F-word that is cut off before it's actually said.
There isn't any sex or sexual overtones, other than some kissing and tight-fitting superhero costumes.
The movie is fairly violent and has some monsters that some younger audiences might think are scary. As I mentioned, if your teens handled the first movie, they shouldn't have a problem with this one.
Conclusion
The summer movie season is about to get underway and I think "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" is a perfect way to kick it off. I think "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" is the reason we go to see movies in the theater. It's the experience of a big entertaining movie that makes you laugh, cry and delivers excitement throughout.
"Shazam! Fury of the Gods" is officially rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence and language.
