Are you excited about the sequel to Shazam!? Well, you might want to hold off on buying that ticket. In this article, we dive into the disappointing aspects of the film, from the lack of focus and direction to forced subplots and immature humour.
It’s Terrible, Just Admit It.
Why can’t DC stop wasting potential? The first Shazam was a terrific surprise as it did a great job blending in comedy, action and family drama. It explored common themes such as pop culture, responsibility and faith in an interesting and inspiring way. When the sequel comes up, I didn’t watch the sequel as soon as it releases, but if I knew it could be at this level of terrible, I wouldn’t even take a chance.
It is Supposed to be Great.
I suppose the best part of the original Shazam is the contrasting image of a young boy who will immediately shift into the adult version of himself by calling a magical spell ‘Shazam’.
Billy used to be a poor boy with a miserable past. He’s super optimistic and still carries his funny character and playful teenager disposition when he shifts into Shazam. Different from other heroes with alternative identities such as Batman or Spider-Man, the Shazam-Billy, is rather an upgraded Billy than a different side of Billy. He does not wear a mask nor drive an avatar to play a different personality; He is still himself with a different appearance, moreover, an appearance which acquires superpowers as well as undertakes responsibilities. He has to ‘act’ like a grown-up man, while he still talks and thinks like a child. There should be a lot of special chemistry happening when he deals with crises and relationships, but the sequel just lost it by confusing directing style by its lack of focus and proper orientation.
The Directing Sucks.
The sequel could have been a simple story that we can sit down and easily entertain with. That is the least a superhero film should and can offer. The sequel turns out to be a disappointment because it tries to juggle too many subplots and characters, and it fails to make sense. I mean, these subplots can be good and stand-alone stories, why do they have to be together? Only resulting that none of them being fully-developed.
Some humour is forced and odd, like why Jovan has to answer he’s gay when he’s simply asked to confess his superhero identity; and it is immature that Daria steals the kittens from victims before rescuing them. This isn’t funny, but a bad model for kids.
On the other hand, Freddy’s relationship with Anthea was delightful, and I would definitely like to know more about them, just not in this sequel. They are supporting characters but their presence overshadows Billy and Shazam. Doing so will disorient the audience as it is confusing to know whose story it is. What bugs me most is that Freddy’s subplot has nothing to do with Billy. When his romance with Anthea reaches the climax, Billy seems to be redundant, and the later part of the story goes flat and dull.
If It Isn’t Good, It’s Bad.
I know most sequels are disappointing because of the high expectations from previous fans. The fact is that if a sequel isn’t good enough to be a sequel, you would rather not want it, yes? The makers of a sequel naturally undertake the responsibility to make it satisfactory, as they should know that the existing fans will carry an appreciation for the first one and go to the cinema to pay for it.
Parents and kids can be whom the sequel disappoints most, as they must expect something more than entertainment. All kids can be crazy about superpowers, and most kids I know, just hate people’s guts to treat them as naive children. Vise versa, parents feel it’s their job to take care of children simply as children, and it’s difficult for them to find a good approach that can make the best of both roles. While, to some extent, they can have many things in common, like they can share the same emotions, they can both love a cat or get excited about their favourite foods, and they can both feel the family bond and the responsibility to protect or support it; Although they are in a different position, they can both be sad and hurt, because they are connected together. When something happens, being a kid or adult isn’t any way easier or more complicated.
Shazam could have been the perfect bridge between parents and children, only if the film goes a little deeper about the family topic, or the coming of age, instead of wasting time on lame jokes that I can read it anywhere.
Kill the Popcorn
It’s essential to innovate the humour and perhaps a new style in the sequel. Technically speaking, repeating expired jokes is an insult to the fan.
Just don’t force a subplot that doesn’t fit.
Mythology and lore are always fun to know, but they are merely information without depth and sufficient adaption.
A sequel can be ambitious, but sometimes it’s better to not fuss about it.
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