WFG RATING: B+

Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents an A.Film production in association with Film i Skane, Nordisk Film Production, Slugger Film, and Sverige Television. Directed by Jon Holmberg. Produced by Gustav Olden. Written by Jon Holmberg; based on the book series by Camilla Läckberg. Edited by Richard Krantz, David Norden, and Hans Perk.

Starring the voices of Alex Kelly, Lucy Smith, Paul Tylak, Karen Ardiff, Brendan McDonald, Doireann Ni Chorragain, Emma Jenkins, Marcus Lamb, Luke Griffin, and Charlie Gill. 

The famous toddler superhero by Camilla Läckberg comes to life in this fun animated adventure. 

Willie is a 10-year-old kid who dreams of being a superhero. However, he always finds himself bullied. His father is a police officer and his mom, an author. While he is excited to soon become a big brother, he soon learns that his new baby brother Charlie, begins to get more attention. Feelings of jealousy begin to plague him but things are about to go from bad to worse when a shower of meteor dust gives Charlie superpowers.

At first attempting to hide his powers, Charlie discovers that even though he is just a baby, he has the ability to talk. When Willie discovers Charlie’s powers, he is stunned and it couldn’t come at a better time. A series of robberies has been taking place and Willie decides that he could use his brother’s help in finding out who is responsible. It also gives Willie and Charlie a chance to finally have that brotherly bond they both desire. Will they be able to stop the villains before it’s too late?

Based on the worldwide famed series of books from Swedish author Camila Läckberg comes this fun, spirited adventure that not only is just about another new superhero, but brings to mind a very heartwarming brotherly bond between the titular Charlie and his older brother, who wishes to be a superhero and even though jealousy sinks in, he knows the two must rely on each other. 

The character of Willie is one who feels like any other outsider. He is largely ignored or is just to be told what to do by his parents and is bullied constantly. He dreams to be like his comic book hero, who at times acts as a conscience in 2D animation form along with his sidekick. They both play out like the devil and angel tropes we’ve seen in numerous TV series and films. At first upon learning of his brother’s powers, attempts to pull a sabotage until Charlie tells him he hopes to be like him someday as Willie has that inner determination necessary to be a hero even if it’s oblivious to him.

There are two major villains in the film. One is a conniving scientist who learns about the meteor and believes he can create the perfect hereby extracting the dust (the same one that gave Charlie his powers). He sometimes sounds like the magician from Frosty the Snowman with his mannerisms and then there’s the big bad, Inferio, a bulking tech-armored robber who steals technology for their own nefarious purposes. Together, they have a sort of comic relief style chemistry while separate, Inferio is the superior villain despite the scientist having the brains of the operation.

Super Charlie is quite fun to enjoy when it comes to kiddie superhero films. The story is well thought out, you can feel for the character of Willie especially, and there is a nice twist at the end with some fun superhero antics. Definitely one for a family movie night.

The film will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on August 15th.