Movie Review - Shazam : Fury of the Gods


   Shazam Fury of the Gods tries to capture lighting in a bottle again but does lightning strike twice?

   This time around, Billy's character arc is overshadowed by Freddie and his distracting lower extremities.  No, not his awkward can-he-or-can-he-not-walk moves but his May December romance.  While it doesn't cripple the adventure, it unbalanced the focus, leaving Billy with weak plot progression.

   Also there's a distinct lack of Billy Asher Angel.  His orphan angst in the first film was the heart and soul of the first movie.  Here, it's comedic Zachery Levi in your face.  The tenderness is missed.

   More spotlights on the other siblings could have possibly stuffed the runtime but it was honestly what I wanted more of (Freddie notwithstanding).  More of Mary and Eugene.  More of Darla, though she did have her light unicorn arc completed.  I'm not sure if Pedro coming out being treated as no big deal is a good thing (it means it's common place and accepted) or a bad thing (not getting attention it deserves).

   The trio of villains were interesting but somehow not as compelling as first movie Sivana'a family insecurities. The high body count makes it hard to redeem them. 

   The wondrous ending with the guest star almost made the movie for me but that shouldn't be what is suppose to stand out. 
   I desperately wanted to love Fury of the Gods but it didn't top or equal the first film in my eyes.  It's ok but it's spark didn't start a wildfire for me.

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