Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny superhero sequel has action violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say that this sequel lacks the charm and depth of its predecessor, with many feeling that it fails to deliver a compelling story, relying instead on inappropriate jokes and disturbing themes like suicide. While some viewers appreciated the humor and action scenes, the overall consensus was that the film did not meet expectations, making it advisable to watch only if it's free.
- disappointing sequel
- lacking plot depth
- inappropriate themes
- mixed humor responses
- action scenes present
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS (the sequel to 2019's Shazam!), Billy Batson (Asher Angel as a teenager, Zachary Levi as an adult superhero) and his superhero foster siblings are fighting crime in Philadelphia -- although the city thinks they're creating chaos and dubs them "the Philly Fiascos." Several of the kids are also managing other, non-super issues: Mary (Grace Caroline Currey), now a young adult, can't afford college and isn't sure what to do with her life. Pedro (Jovan Armand/D.J. Cotrona) is trying to find himself. And Billy is suffering from imposter syndrome. But when the supersiblings hear that the evil Daughters of Atlas (Lucy Liu, Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler) may be wielding an ultrapowerful weapon, they jump into action and put their teamwork to the test to defend the world.
Is It Any Good?
This hilarious sequel proves that Shazam is the most exuberantly empowering superhero for kids in the current DC Universe. The magic of superhero comics has always been inspiring readers to see themselves as heroes, something that's often lost in the over-musclebound, sometimes too serious, dark superhero cinematic landscape (especially where DC is concerned). But Shazam! Fury of the Gods creates the perfect canvas for that flight of imagination by helping kids from many walks of life and underrepresented groups see themselves on screen. Plus, by showing the Shazamily kids in their "adult" state, it offers a subtle "it gets better" message for any kids watching who might be unhappy with their current state of being. When the core message is delivered in the dialogue -- "the most powerful thing about you is you" -- it gets a humorous eyeroll from Djimon Hounsou's Wizard (yes, he's somehow still alive even though he turned to dust in the first film). But as the story bears out, it's a phenomenal message for these heroes -- and young viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the diverse representations in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Did you see someone who looks like you on the screen? Why is representation important?
Do you agree with the movie's message that everyone has the potential to be a hero? What does it mean to be an everyday hero? If you were a superhero, what would your power be? In real life, what is your "superpower"?
How do the characters demonstrate courage, compassion, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
How did the violence make you feel? Was it more or less intense than other superhero movies you've seen? What's the impact of seeing violence in entertainment?
The Daughters of Atlas want to reclaim the power that was stolen from their father. Are they wrong to want that back? Tell this story from their point of view. If you're familiar with Greek mythology, what other monsters and gods are referenced here?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 17, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : May 23, 2023
- Cast : Zachary Levi , Asher Angel , Rachel Zegler
- Director : David F. Sandberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of action and violence, and language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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