Bob's Birthday
Bob's Birthday

Movie spotlight

Bob's Birthday

1994
Movie
13 min
English

Margaret Fish is planning a surprise party for her dentist husband, Bob. Meanwhile, at the office, Bob is having a mid-life crisis while insects munch on what's left of his plants. When Bob returns home, Margaret has a terrible time getting him into the room where everyone's hidden until he's halfway through changing clothes and talking about how horrid all their nebbishy friends are (the same friends hidden all over the room).

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Allan MoyleGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A thirty-something Toronto bookbinder, Bob, is unfulfilled with his life and career. As his birthday approaches, his friends and lover try to throw him a surprise party, which he desperately tries to avoid. The film explores themes of existential dread, social awkwardness, and the search for meaning in ordinary life.

Critical Reception

Bob's Birthday was a modest success, praised for its quirky humor, relatable characters, and sharp writing. It resonated with audiences for its honest portrayal of quarter-life crises and the anxieties of approaching adulthood. While not a massive box office hit, it gained a cult following and critical appreciation for its independent spirit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its sharp, witty dialogue and intelligent exploration of modern anxieties.

  • Praised for its relatable characters and the awkward, yet endearing, portrayal of social situations.

  • Noted for its unique blend of humor and poignant observations about life and relationships.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's clever writing and its ability to capture the feeling of being stuck in a rut. Many found the characters, especially Bob, to be refreshingly realistic and the humor, though sometimes dark, to be very effective.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 11 Genie Awards, including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, winning for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor.

Fun Fact

The film was inspired by a play of the same name written by Daniel MacIvor, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Allan Moyle.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Maybe don't watch this if you've a phobia about dentists! The eponymous man is promised a birthday curry by his wife, but he's not so very keen. As "Margaret" sits at home carefully creating the kebabs, he is at work using his weapons of to...