Critics have finally unveiled their first reactions to the much-talked-about DCU sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Although it is unknown if the Shazam! franchise will still be connected to James Gunn's DC reboot, Warner Bros. is going all-in for the upcoming sequel.
Marketing has been ramping up in the past weeks, with the studio unveiling new trailers and character posters for the Shazam family.
Shazam: Fury of the Gods Early Reviews
Several critics got the chance to see Shazam! Fury of the Gods early before sharing their first reactions on social media.
CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg said that Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a "worthy sequel," noting that "it wins you over with its characters and energy:"
"Shazam! Fury Of The Gods is a super fun and worthy sequel. Not a game changing comic book movie, but it wins you over with its characters and energy. Has some real surprises and a knowing sensibility that suit it well – plus some creative and exciting monster action."
Variety's Courtney Howard pointed out that Shazam 2 "packs a punch," describing it as a "super solid, super fun & super smart blend of hilarity, heart, and heroics:"
"'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' // Shazam Movie is a super-powered sequel that packs a punch. A super solid, super fun & super smart blend of hilarity, heart & heroics. Ramps up the action & irreverence to a delightful degree. Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu & Rachel Zegler are MVPs. [love] the dragon!"
Black Girl Nerds founder Jamie Broadnax shared that Shazam 2 is infused with "more action, compelling villains, and a complicated antihero:"
"Shazam continues to lean into his silliness and immaturity in this sequel which tells us this franchise will remain to keep these films funny, light and slapstick-ish. The sequel comes with more action, compelling villains and a complicated antihero."
DC Studios head James Gunn even chimed in with his own review, noting that Shazam! Fury of the Gods was a "complete blast:"
"I love it, it’s a complete blast. [Zachary Levi] & [David F. Sandberg] & [Rachel Zegler] the whole crew killed it."
Geeks of Color's Matt Fernandez said that Shazam 2 is an "electrifyingly entertaining adventure:"
"Lots of folks know that Shazam is my second favorite superhero and I’m a huge fan of the first film!
I recently got to see 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' and well… 'An electrifyingly entertaining adventure!'"
Digital Spy's Gabriella Geisinger revealed her mixed reactions toward the DC sequel, pointing out that it has "few bright spots bogged down by final act muddy CGI battle:"
"Within Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a fun buddy comedy starring Djimon Hounsou & Jack Dylan Grazer. Unfortunately, you have to watch 'Shazam 2 'to see it. Few bright spots bogged down by final act muddy CGI battle. Levi plays Billy as if he's in on the joke — an uncanny valley of humour."
Illuminerdi's Joseph Deckelmeier revealed that Shazam 2 did a "good job of balancing" its large ensemble while also praising the fact that the sequel has "a lot of heart:"
"'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' is what I wanted the movie to be. The film does a good job of balancing this large cast and it’s just a fun superhero movie with a lot of heart. I’d love to see these characters and actors carry on in the DCU and I think it can fit it. Go see it for yourself."
Comicbook's Brandon Davis offered high praise to the Shazam! sequel, saying that it has "great emotional beats" while "maintaining the childish joy & charm" of the protagonists:
"I saw 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods'! It’s a really good sequel. The theme of found family delivers great emotional beats. Sandberg sprinkles some horror elements while maintaining the childish joy & charm of the Shazamily.Nothing brand new but highly entertaining! Really enjoyed."
Will Critics' Reactions Redeem Shazam 2?
Despite the controversial social media post from its lead star Zachary Levi, it seems that things are looking up for the sequel.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods was projected to have one of the worst box office openings in DCEU history, but these positive reviews from critics could change the audience's minds for one final push in the ticketing sales.
Moreover, James Gunn's consistent praise of Shazam 2 could serve as a hint that some, or even all, of the characters in the sequel, might carry over into the new DCU. However, it remains to be seen if this will come to fruition.
Whether Shazam 2 is connected to the DCU or not, the first reactions proved that the latest DC sequel will be a fun movie, which is a good sign for both diehard and casual audiences.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, March 17.
