Shazam!: Is the movie suitable for young viewers?

DC’s latest feature film, Shazam!, is now playing in theaters. Thinking of taking the kids to watch the movie, but aren’t sure if it’s suitable for their young eyes? We’re here to help!

Shazam! is the latest movie critics and audiences are raving about, and for good reason! The latest DC flick is charming and a lot of fun, and at the center of it all is love and family. Knowing that, why wouldn’t we want to take a family trip to the theaters to watch Shazam!?

As a parent, however, we may want to be extra sure we’re making the right choice. After all, nothing is worse than a horrifying scene popping on screen unexpectedly. Having seen the film, let me tell you there are some questionable moments. So where does Shazam! stand in the kid-friendly department? We have answers to help you make a decision.

First, let’s take a look at Common Sense Media, which recommends the movie to children 11 and up. If we’re being honest, though, that site is always a bit too dramatic when it comes to rating their movies. If you want my opinion, kids ages 7+ are good to go! Got a mature 6-year-old? You may be able to take them, too.

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Please note: I’m not an expert! To each their own. This is only my advice.

Now for the facts: Shazam! is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material. But remember, movie ratings are only drastic guidelines just to be safe.

The DCEU is known to be a bit darker than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though, and as endearing as Shazam! trailers may seem, there is a long scene most young kids may find frightening. This scene includes a human head being eaten and other bodies getting devoured be demon-looking creatures (the seven deadly sins unleashed). All of this happens off-camera, however, so audiences never see any blood, guts, or anything of the sort.

Other than this one scene, there’s a similar one, but it doesn’t last nearly as long as the first. The rest of the movie is all fun. Some crude humor that mostly goes unnoticed by the little ones. What the movie does have a lot of is positive affirmations, love, and the importance of family.

Shazam! is now playing in theaters.