Super Charlie, follows the tale of ten-year-old Willie, trying to cope not only with an older sister going through that awkward adolescent stage but also becoming an older sibling with the arrival of a new baby, Charlie, in the family. Only this baby is different – he has "super powers". These arrive from outer space in the form of a magic dust while he is in the hospital maternity unit.
And that's the rub. Wille has always dreamed of becoming a superhero and fighting crime alongside his police-hero dad… a dream which is shattered when his new baby brother Charlie is born with actual superpowers. When a super-villain and a deranged scientist enact their evil plan, Wille and Charlie need to put their differences aside and work as a team. But can an infant and his envious brother save the city?
What makes this film special is that it works on so many levels for both children and adults alike. Sometimes I laughed a lot, other times a tear came to my eye as I recognised scenarios that pan out for most families. Often as adults we are reluctant to share these moments at the time but as one gets older and, dare I say, wiser, you realise you’re not the only parent who’s felt that way. And this film will also help children realise that some of their feelings towards others are not that unusual either.
Children will love Super Charlie and not only that the whole family will too – hopefully as much as I have. Why? It is fast moving with good clear dialogue and not a dull moment. Like a lot of movies of this genre there’s the fight between good and evil in various forms, also sibling rivalry... and lots more.
I now can’t wait for our grandchildren to see the film – I think I might become the "coolest nana ever"!
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Written and directed by Jon Holmberg and co-written by author of the books, Camilla Läckberg, and executive produced by Läckberg, Super Charlie stars the voices of Alex Kelly, Lucy Smith and Paul Tylak.
Super Charlie (Kaleidoscope) released from 15 August 2025. Digital download from 29 September.
