Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Shazam: Fury of the Gods is the superhero sequel nobody really asked for—it's not bad enough to skip entirely, but it's not good enough to prioritize on family movie night either.

The original Shazam (2019) had heart, humor, and a fresh take on the 'kid becomes superhero' trope. This one feels like the studio said 'do that again, but BIGGER,' and forgot that bigger doesn't always mean better. The foster family dynamics are still present, and there's something wholesome about kids learning to work together, but it's buried under CGI battles and a bloated plot involving Greek goddesses trying to destroy the world.

At 130 minutes, it's a slog for younger viewers, and even older kids might check their phones. The TMDB rating of 6.4/10 tells the story: it's fine, it's watchable, but it's forgettable. If your kids loved the first one, they'll probably tolerate this. If they're new to the franchise, just watch the original instead.

Safety-wise, it's standard PG-13 superhero stuff—no surprises, no content that'll shock you. But entertainment-wise? It's middle-of-the-road. There are better ways to spend two hours with your kids.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14 who are already into superhero movies and can handle PG-13 action. Younger kids might get bored by the long runtime, and older teens will likely find it too juvenile and formulaic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Foster family dynamics and teamwork are central themes, with Billy and his siblings working together. The first film was praised for its heart and humor around found family, though the sequel reportedly leans more heavily on action and spectacle. The superhero-kid premise models cooperation, but the tonal balance shifts toward darker stakes with world-ending threats. Some emotional beats around responsibility and growing up, but less of the charm that made the original stand out.

Imaginative

62

The core concept—kids transforming into adult superheroes by saying a magic word—remains creative, and the introduction of the Daughters of Atlas (Greek mythology villains) adds mythological flavor. However, the sequel is widely criticized for feeling formulaic and derivative of other superhero films, lacking the fresh energy of the 2019 original. The fantasy elements are present but don't invite much creative engagement beyond standard CGI spectacle. It's imaginative in premise but execution feels paint-by-numbers.

Safe

72

Typical PG-13 superhero fare: fantasy violence with battles, destruction, and peril, but no gore or graphic content. Likely some mild language and comic relief innuendo consistent with the franchise's tone. The Daughters of Atlas are threatening but not nightmare-inducing for the target demographic. No sexual content or substance abuse. The main safety consideration is intensity of action sequences and some potentially scary moments for younger viewers, but nothing that would blindside families familiar with MCU or DC superhero films. Without confirmed MPAA rating in data, assuming standard PG-13 based on franchise precedent.

Enriching

52

Themes of responsibility, family, and growing into one's potential are present but reportedly underdeveloped in favor of action set pieces. The mythology angle could spark interest in Greek legends, but the film doesn't dig deep. Critics noted the sequel feels rushed and lacks the character development that made the first film resonate. Entertainment value is middling—TMDB 6.4/10 suggests audiences found it passable but forgettable. It's not enriching in meaningful ways beyond basic 'good vs. evil' superhero lessons, and the entertainment factor is compromised by pacing issues and a bloated runtime (130 minutes feels long for what's delivered).

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Foster family superhero team-up reinforces themes of found family and working together
Greek mythology angle (Daughters of Atlas) could spark curiosity about ancient legends
Maintains the kid-friendly humor and wish-fulfillment of 'what if I became a superhero' fantasy
Less intense than many superhero films—no graphic violence or dark themes that'll haunt bedtime

⚠

What to Watch For

Fantasy violence and destruction throughout—cities getting smashed, people in peril, the usual superhero mayhem
At 130 minutes, it drags for younger kids and even some adults who found it overstuffed
Critics and audiences agree this sequel is a step down—formulaic and forgettable compared to the charming original
Some scary moments with villainous goddesses and world-ending stakes that might be intense for sensitive under-10s

Conversation Starters

"If you could say one word and get a superpower, what would you want it to be?"
"The movie's about foster siblings becoming a team—what makes a family a family, even if you're not related by blood?"
"The Daughters of Atlas are from Greek mythology—have you heard of Atlas or any other Greek gods? Want to learn more?"
"Billy has to figure out how to be a leader when things get tough. When have you had to step up and be responsible for something?"

Deep Dive

The sequel slump is real

The first Shazam worked because it was a small, contained story about a kid finding a family. It felt like Big with capes. This sequel, however, falls into the classic trap of thinking that more CGI dragons and higher stakes automatically make a better movie. It doesn't. While the first film had a distinct personality, this one feels like it was assembled in a boardroom to check off "superhero movie" boxes.

The critics were notably unimpressed, and the low scores on Metacritic and Letterboxd reflect a general sense of fatigue. It’s the kind of movie that’s perfectly fine to have on in the background while you’re folding laundry, but it lacks the "must-see" energy of the better entries in the genre. If you're looking for something that actually sticks the landing, you're better off checking our ultimate guide to superhero movies for family movie night for titles that offer a bit more substance.

A cast doing heavy lifting

The brightest spots here are the performers, even if the script doesn't give them much to work with. The "Daughters of Atlas" villains bring some much-needed gravitas to the screen. If your kids are fans of the newer stars in the mix, like the actress from the recent Hunger Games prequel, you might want to check out our breakdown of why your kids love Rachel Zegler.

Similarly, seeing a legendary actress like the lead from The Queen playing a literal goddess is a bit of a trip. She’s clearly having fun, even if she’s overqualified for the role. If that performance sparks an interest in her other work, we have a guide on Helen Mirren films age-appropriate for families that covers everything from her voice acting roles to her more serious dramas.

The 130-minute hurdle

The biggest friction point for parents isn't the content—it's the pacing. At over two hours, the movie overstays its welcome. The final act is a relentless barrage of digital effects that can be overstimulating for younger kids and just plain boring for adults.

There’s a specific "grayness" to the action scenes that makes the whole thing feel a bit muddy. While the audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes are significantly higher than the critic scores, that’s usually a sign that the movie is "fun enough" for a one-time watch but lacks any real staying power.

If your family is deep into the DC or Marvel cycles, you'll likely watch this regardless. But if you're looking for a movie night that everyone will actually remember next week, this probably isn't the one. It’s a placeholder movie—serviceable, safe, and entirely replaceable.

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Shazam Fury Of The Gods