Good Friday just got better! In a surprise move, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is available to watch on Vudu! I’m not kidding. You can watch it right now. Vudu is Fandango’s premium on-demand video service. Additionally, you can purchase the Shazam! 2-Film Collection on the platform, which includes the original Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
“Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos,” reads the official synopsis. “But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy—aka Shazam—and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.”
DC’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods is as divisive a film as they come. In addition to harsh reviews tanking the superhero sequel’s online scores, drama has followed the Shazamily at every turn. The film stars felt compelled to comment on the negative reviews, including Rachel Zegler, who said, “Some people out there and just being… senselessly mean. And it’s unnecessary. And I know, I know, ‘If you can’t handle the heat…’ and all that nonsense, and you’re right. But our film is actually very good, it’s just cool to hate on fun nowadays. That’s okay. We’re good.”
Around the same time that Zegler clapped back at the film’s haters, Shazam! Fury of the Gods director David F. Sandberg said he’s taking a break from making superheroes. “On Rotten Tomatoes I just got my lowest critic score and my highest audience score on the same film,” Sandberg wrote. “I wasn’t expecting a repeat of the first movie critically but I was still a little surprised because I think it’s a good film. Oh well.”
Before you start thinking that perhaps David F. Sandberg regrets his time in the DC Universe, he clarifies that he doesn’t regret making the Shazam movies, “even for a second.” Sandberg added, “I’ve learned so much and gotten to work with some truly amazing people. Will forever be grateful that I got to direct two of these! They’ve been very challenging but valuable experiences. One thing I’ve really been looking forward to is disconnecting from the superhero discourse online. A lot of that stresses me out so much and it will be nice not having to think about that anymore.” Whether Sandberg returns for a possible Shazam sequel, the director has previously said that nothing in the movies contradicts any plans for the DC Universe.
There’s also the drama between Dwayne Johnson and Zachary Levi, with reports saying Johnson sabotaged aspects of Fury of the Gods to boost his Black Adam movie. It’s quite a mess.
Conversely, I know people who loved Shazam! Fury of the Gods. It’s essential to see these movies and form your own opinion. Online reviews and armchair commentary are entertaining, but nothing like discovering a film for yourself. I plan to watch Shazam! Fury of the Gods this weekend to see what all the commotion has been about. Shazam!