Since Shazam! first hit theaters, DC’s Extended Universe has undergone significant changes. A game of hot potato with creative control has led to Marvel’s darker cousin undergoing soft reboots and changes in direction. Currently, Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck are out, while Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa wait patiently on the sidelines. Robert Pattinson and Joaquin Phoenix, on the other hand, have their own following. As for Shazam, the verdict is still out and there is little hope among the jury. It would be a shame if Fury of the Gods marked the end of Zachary Levi’s endearing and insecure superhero, but it will be a tough battle to keep him. It is unlikely that such a lackluster sequel will match the success and adoration of its livelier predecessor.

In a time when DC needed to lighten up, David F. Sandberg’s Shazam! was a breath of fresh air in 2019. The film blended comedy and action, bringing heart and humor to the forefront while still delivering on its superhero premise, even with a simplistic villain. The sequel, Fury of the Gods, promises to improve upon its predecessor by putting even more emphasis on character development.

The sequel to Fury of the Gods surpasses its predecessor by introducing the wrathful daughters of Atlas, portrayed by Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, who deliver powerful performances while dressed in stunning attire and chewing up the scenery. Their sole objective is to acquire the powers of Shazam, which originally belonged to their father, without any regard for the consequences. In addition to the magical staff from the first film, a golden apple is also added to the mix, because why settle for just one MacGuffin?

However, standing in their way are the current bearers of the Atlantean power, including a more mature Asher Angel as Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who transform into superhuman versions of themselves with a simple shout of “Shazam!” Each one dons lycra and a white cape, looking like a Barbie doll come to life. While Billy serves as the leader of the group in his Levi form, he struggles with the weight of responsibility and the realization that his foster siblings may not share his ideals. “I’m the only one holding it together!” he laments.

One of the standout characters in the film is Freddie Freeman, portrayed by Jack Dylan from It. Despite being bullied and disabled, Freddie’s alter ego, Captain Everypower, is filled with confidence by Adam Brody’s smug performance. However, it’s Dylan’s captivating presence that steals the show and allows the film to explore the idea of being a superhero without actual powers – a significant realization for a physically limited young man. While his romance with Ann, played by Rachel Zegler, feels less convincing, it’s still a crucial part of Freddie’s journey towards self-belief.

The film’s creators excel at blending the classic “great power/great responsibility” trope with the struggles of adolescence. Even in his superpowered form, Billy is still just a kid trying to find his place in the world. The film has fun imagining how a group of teens would react to having superpowers, including turning the ancient Rock of Eternity into a hangout spot. However, the film’s real strength lies in its ability to use this as a metaphor for the fears and challenges of puberty. The pressure to live up to society’s expectations when you’re still just a child on the inside is a relatable and poignant theme.

At its peak, the movie excels. However, Fury of the Gods is less consistent than its predecessor. The writing by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan only manages to briefly come together, and the subpar visual effects fail to showcase the film’s unique qualities. While the irreverence and underdog traits that made Shazam! stand out are still present, the DC franchise has lost some of its previous shine after four years.