The Incredibles (2004)

Incredible "Incredibles"
by Homer Yen
(c) 2004

It seems that Pixar can do no wrong. Where can one buy shares of their stock? After all, this is the same studio that brought us memorable, animated films like "Toy Story" and "Monsters Inc." and "Finding Nemo." Their newest release, "The Incredibles," is equally enthralling. Animation-wise, their unique renderings always make for an eye-catching experience. And you'll find lots to visually stimulate you from beginning to end. Meanwhile, story-wise, it will engage adults and children alike with its fanciful tale about a family of superheroes. And like all good stories about superheroes, this one tells about a seemingly invincible one who soon faces his own downfall.

This heroic family features the incredibly strong Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson); his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), who can assume anything rubbery; and their children Violet (Sarah Vowell), who can turn invisible; and Dash (Spencer Fox) who sprints like Mercury. But all is not super in this time period. Denizens are beginning to view the population of superheroes with angst and distrust. Faced with mounting pressure, the government creates the Superhero Relocation Program, sending the likes of Mr. Incredible and his family into the anonymity of suburbia. They become the Parr family. "Par", get it? Now, they're just like everybody else. Mr. Incredible is relegated to a menial desk job for some insurance agency. Elastigirl becomes a housewife. It's a sly critique of suburban uniformity. And while Elastigirl is content in her new role, Mr. Incredible looks for an opportunity to relive his glory days.

The film moves into high hear during the second half of the film when Mr. Incredible accepts an assignment to do battle with a rogue battle-robot titled Omnidroid 7. Once you learn what happened to the previous six models, you understand that the world is in terrible danger and only a superhero can rise to the challenge.

This is where the marvelous imagination of Pixar begins to run wild. The creation of a fantastic island hideaway for the sinister mastermind is absolutely marvelous. It has a definitive James Bond feel and a theme park atmosphere. Another plus is the intriguing character of Edna Mode who creates fashionable yet functional super-outfits and gives a hilarious exposition on why capes are a crimefighting faux pas. And you have to love the ice-producing Frozone (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) who is one tough mutha.

Animated films have to adhere to a higher standard because virtually everything can be drawn up. And, the film certainly delivers in terms of its imagination. Yet, if you enjoy a film like this with its breakneck action scenes across a jungle island of evildoers, you'll definitely get a kick out of a similar film, "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow." You have to admire that one a bit more since its live action and things conjured requires more than just computer wizardry.

"The Incredibles" doesn't feel as enchanted as Pixar's previous films. I suppose one might feel that lack of magic because the subject focuses on people instead of toys or monsters or fish. But it delivers a great message. You'll embrace diversity and discover that the greatest adventure that anyone can ever have is raising a family. With that in mind, "The Incredibles" is indeed super.

Grade:  B+
S:      0 out of 3
L:      0 out of 3
V:      1 out of 3

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X-RAMR-ID: 38990
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1338639
X-RT-TitleID: 1138441
X-RT-AuthorID: 1370
X-RT-RatingText: B+