Superbob

Superbob, directed by Jon Drever and released in 2015, is a British romantic comedy spin on superhero films which stars Brett Goldstein, Natalia Tena and Laura Haddock. In a different take from other superhero movies, Superbob offers audiences a light-hearted, charming, and unique perspective on the not-so-glamorous life of someone who is gifted with superpowers, focusing more on Bob's personal life rather than all-out action and adventure.

The movie follows the character of Bob Kenner, portrayed by Brett Goldstein, a humble, nerdy, and introverted London postman. The twist is he's also a real-life superhero, thanks to a freak meteor storm in Colombia that transformed him into a man with extraordinary abilities. Yet, even with his newfound powers, Bob's life is far from what would be expected of a superhero. Six years post-transformation, Bob is barely enjoying the glamorous or heroic life people would associate with someone with such abilities. In fact, he is being treated more like a civil servant than a superhero.

The National Security Division has placed numerous restrictions and obligations on Bob, including being on call 24/7, leaving him hardly any time for personal matters. On Tuesdays, his only day off, Bob wants to live a regular life. He tries to stay out of trouble, maintain relationships with those around him, and even make time for his romantic inclinations.

Brett Goldstein's depiction of Bob is both lovable and relatable. His awkwardness adds an agreeable touch of reality, providing a stark contrast to the polished, confidently suave superheroes we typically see on the big screen. The film blends the everyday trials of a 9-5 job, the awkwardness of attempting to date, and depression associated with loneliness, all while bob juggles the tasks of being a superhero.

Adding to the complexity of Bob's life are the several compelling characters that surround him. First, there's Teresa, played by the impressive Natalia Tena, Bob's fiery, independent, and sarcastic home help from Colombia. She is sensible and caring but doesn't fail to call out Bob when necessary. She provides a contrast to Bob's mere existence, challenging him to stand up for himself and make independent decisions, especially regarding his love life and dealing with bureaucracy.

Then there's Dorris, portrayed by Laura Haddock, an appealing love interest for Bob. Dorris runs a library that Bob frequents and adds another layer of normalcy to his complicated life. The subtle and naturalistic performance by Haddock captures the awkward and charming dynamic between the two characters.

The film also shines a light on the bureaucratic complications of being a superhero, steering clear of the conventional world-saving narratives. Catherine Tate's role as the apathetic government supervisor provides comic relief and makes a commentary on how an individual as unique and special as Bob can be wrapped up in red tape.

Superbob is interesting due to its semi-documentary style. This faux-documentary style adds an extra layer of realism, with a camera crew following Bob as he nonchalantly displays his impressive powers - flying, running at lightning speed, and lifting heavy objects as if they were weightless. The style skillfully captures all these elements while never shedding the façade of being a grounded, everyday piece of reality.

The comedy in Superbob is quirky, personable, and charmingly British. It's less about big punchlines and more about the character’s relationships, their reactions to Bob's abilities, his attempts to fit into normal life and his endearing effort to understand human emotions. Despite its supernatural premise, the film stays grounded in its portrayal of real human connections and the longing for love, normalcy, and genuine friendships.

However, Superbob is not just a comedic movie. It has depth and emotional realism, highlighting the pressures of heroism, loneliness, the longing for companionship and the pains of unrequited love. It provides a thought-provoking blend of superhero fantasy with everyday life. The characters are not simply comedic figures but well-rounded individuals, each representing different aspects of human personality and existence.

In conclusion, Superbob is an unconventional superhero drama grounded in a romantic comedy narrative. It takes a heartfelt, funny and relatable turn on the superhero genre, offering audiences a glimpse into what it might actually be like to be a superhero in the everyday world. This movie is perfect for people who are interested in a refreshing take on superhero movies and enjoy British-style humor. If you’re looking for a movie with both smiles and depth, Superbob is a wonderfully enjoyable choice.