We fly there like Superman. We demolish bridges like Spider-Man and Ant-Man. We fight monstrous creatures from elsewhere (and less and less neat digital art). We go through an overly long third act that tumbles with “bing, bang, boom!” “. After New York, San Francisco and other London, Philadelphia is being blown up there. As Jean-Paul Belmondo said: “Come on! Waterfall! » ; and Jacques Brel: “Next!” »
Shazam! The rage of the gods (VF of Shazam! Fury of the Gods), by David F. Sandberg, thus takes up the tone of the original film released in 2019, without really going any further with its characters or in the DC Cinematic Universe (UCDC). Within which, for a The Batman or one wonder womanwe find how many Batman v Superman and of black adam !
This 12e title of the series, in the portrait? What makes it its (Achilles) weakness is the way it walks on paths so often beaten that they have become highways. But, let’s give it back what makes its strength (not Herculean): its heart beating to the rhythm of the family, its teasing lightness and its very assumed cartoon aspect, well served by the playful realization of David F. Sandberg as well as by the dialogues of Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan – of which several “silly” replies bring smiles to anyone who agrees to play along. We don’t take ourselves seriously.
It was necessary since this group of super heroes in powers, but less in maturity is composed of six teenagers accustomed (as much as possible) to being left behind, but who live in a loving foster family. Their life changed following an encounter with the wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou). Since when they say his name, they turn into adults who could mate with Superman in terms of supernatural abilities, while still retaining the naivety of youth. There is mad young dog and impostor complex in these ranks.
In the skin of Billy Batson, Asher Angel becomes Zachary Levi (who has insane pleasure under this costume); Jack Dylan Grazer (a little too uniformly intense) turns into Adam Brody; and so on until Faithe Herman, who metamorphoses into Meagan Good (special mention to the two actresses, who are hilarious, endearing and a perfect reflection of each other). Together they this time have to battle mean girls from Atlas, Hespera and Kalypso played by Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, who manage to look royal in somewhat ridiculous costumes, let’s face it.
No need to linger: we see, nothing to renew the genre in this story. Except for the final twist (before the additional credits scenes), with a pleasing appearance. The fact remains that the UCDC proves here once again how much this universe has not been found and how much James Gunn, now at the helm of this titanic ship, has a lot of work to do to avoid losing the naval battle — “Touché! Flowed! “.