Shazam tells the story of Billy Batson, a streetwise 14-year-old who can magically transform into the adult superhero Shazam simply by shouting out one word. His newfound powers soon get put to the test when he squares off against the evil Dr Thaddeus Sivana. Shazam stars Zachary Levi as the adult superhero Shazam and Asher Angel as his younger self.
How old do you have to be to see Shazam?
According to the British Board of Film Classification, Shazam is rated 12A.
The BBFC writes A12A rating is “suitable for children aged 12 and over.
“However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult.
“In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.”
The BBFC cites “moderate violence, threat, horror, innuendo, bleeped strong language” as the reasoning behind its 12A rating.
There is no insight information as of yet but the BBFC says it will be available after March 26, 2019.
The film has an undeniably silly tone in line with its age rating and the bulk of the cast members of the DC Comics adaptation, in fact, teenagers themselves.
These other young actors include Jack Dylan Grazer as Frederick “Freddy” Freeman, Billy’s foster brother and best friend, a disabled superhero enthusiast who is the only person that knows that he is Shazam.
Grace Fulton (It) stars as Mary Bromfield, Billy’s foster sister at his new home, the “den mother” who helps take care of the other kids.
Ian Chen (Fresh Off The Boat) plays Eugene Choi, Billy’s foster brother at his new home, a bookish boy who enjoys tech and non-fiction.
Jovan Armand stars as Pedro Peña, Billy’s foster brother at his new home, a shy, sensitive kid.
Faithe Herman (This Is Us) plays Darla Dudley, Billy’s youngest foster sibling at his new home, an energetic and effusive little girl.
Initial fan reactions to Shazam screenings have been positive, though reviews are under embargo until Saturday, March 23, 2019.
The Nerd Corner tweeted: “#Shazam made us laugh, cry and cheer! When out in cinemas, make sure you get a ticket!”
Roxy Striar of Screen Junkies wrote: “I saw Shazam. It was everything. I can’t wait to talk about this movie for the next several months.
“Yes it’s funny (I laughed VERY loudly multiple times) but it also has so much heart.”
This very Express.co.uk film critic tweeted: “The best part of #Shazam is definitely Darla. Faithe C. Herman is a scene stealer!”
Shazam is out in cinemas on April 5, 2019.