“Best movie night in …  ever!”

While the lockdown may have people streaming more movies and series, turning it into an event and sharing the experience with a crowd of movie fans makes it so much more than just a movie.

Stephen Aspeling, better known as Spling, is a movie authority in South Africa. Having reviewed thousands of films over the last decade online, on radio, in magazines, newspapers and on TV, he knows his stuff. Hosting special screenings, judging film festivals and speaking at many events, he’s perfectly positioned to host and present #BingeingWithSpling.

As host, Spling introduced the watch party with a video giving fans an idea of what to expect, talking about the movie and getting viewers excited for a big night in. The inaugural event on Friday night saw fans from around the country joining the watch party to engage online and prepare to hit play at 8pm. Watching Shazam! on Showmax enabled everyone to get involved from the comfort of their couch, doing movie night together and connecting via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The special introduction, giveaways, banter and running movie commentary turned Shazam! into an interactive event. Connecting on social media with Spling, snapping watch-party-face selfies, commenting on classic movie moments, acknowledging Mark Strong’s penchant for villainy, brushing up on movie trivia, grabbing quotable movie quotes and tweeting Zachary Levi himself – this tweet sums it up.

Just say the word!

Zachary Levi was the star of the geek turned super spy TV series, Chuck. His silver screen transition has been bumpy, including something known as a “squeakuel”. Thankfully his casting as Shazam in the DC comic book adaptation hit the reset button, allowing him to play to his goofy, fun, charming and lovable true nature. Headlining Shazam! with his winning smile, this comic book movie is joyful and plays into the wish fulfilment vibrations of movies like Big and Spider-Man.

A rollicking superhero action adventure comedy that never takes itself too seriously, Shazam! set the tone for the Bingeing with Spling watch party series. Eliciting “holy Moly” from one movie fan, it’s definitely one of DC’s best superhero outings. What makes it even funnier is that Zachary Levi actually played opposite former Superman, Brandon Routh, in Chuck.

Puffing up the cushions and grabbing your popcorn, a chocolate bar, an ice-cold drink and your phone is an awesome way to spend a night in. Sharing the experience with a wave of like-minded movie fans across the nation makes it that much more exciting and fun. Sound like a great idea? Of course it does – and you can be a part of the next one.

Before we announce the date and title for the “sequel”, why not tweet us on @SplingMovies or @the_plumlist with the kind of movies you’d love to turn into a watch party? We’re wanting The Plum List’s next Bingeing with Spling watch party event to be even bigger and better… so it’d be great to get your feedback.

See you at the next one!