Director:
Brad Bird

Cast:
Craig T. Nelson
Holly Hunter
Samuel L. Jackson
Jason Lee

Official URL:

http://www.theincredibles.com

Country: USA
Rating: PG
Studio Name: Touchstone Pictures
Running Time: 2 hr 0 mins
Release Date: November 5, 2004

Critics's Rating:
(4 Reels) 

November 5, 2004

By Veronica Mixon

Pixar’s wonderful action adventure, The Incredibles dares to acknowledge a dark side of life and the type of super heroes necessary to cope with our less than rosy world. The gifted Pixar animators (Finding Nemo) have parted ways with Disney, the leading animated giant in Hollywood and it’s clear that the young upstarts have an edgy, clever imaginative way of expressing themselves. Audiences and most particularly parents should realize that the animated movies that we’re viewing now are much more adult and sophisticated. In other words, the fact that it’s a cartoon doesn’t mean that it’s automatically for children.

The Incredibles is best suited for older kids and adults based on its themes and the nearly two hour length. There are good guys and there are bad guys who want you dead! Bob Parr, also known as Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson of TV’s The District) is a lantern-jawed strong man who rescues those who need help. But, when the public turns on Bob (and most of his super hero friends), he quietly marries Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter The Piano) and witness protection relocates them in a quiet suburb. They are suppose to act like normal people but Bob and his growing family – shy teenage Violet (Sarah Vowell) and her kid brother, Dash (Spencer Fox) – find it difficult not to use their powers. Violet has a knack with invisibility and Dash is a speed demon but his mother won’t let him go out for sports for fear that he’ll be noticed as special. Bob works as an insurance claims adjuster and hates the fact that this job doesn’t help people. Without Helen’s knowledge, he and best friend Lucius/Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson Shaft) listen to the police scanners and pounce on any opportunity to assist the authorities anonymously rather than go bowling. So, when Bob is given an opportunity to do real super hero tasks by a beautiful stranger, Mirage (Elizabeth Pena Down and Out in Beverly Hills), he leaps at the job. Naturally, Helen finds out and suddenly the entire family is called to action.

The Incredibles zips along like an animated version of a James Bond movie with awesome futuristic sets, blazing bombs and shoot outs, and amazing tricks by the Parr family. As the family bickers among themselves, they also discover their true nature and become fearless. It is extraordinary to watch because given our dark climate of war and economic uncertainty. This breathtaking animation is just what audiences need for entertainment.

Writer/director Brad Bird also gives an outstanding performance as the diminutive Edna Mode, also known as E, the chic, costume designer to the clan. Her residence and work shop looks like M’s work shop! When she came on screen looking like the late Hollywood designer Edith Head, she absolutely steals the show! Bird and his collaborators make us laugh at the family quirkiness of ordinary family life and champion the special gifts that individuals possess. There are a host of wonderful supporting cast including Wallace Shawn (Radio Days) as Bob’s boss, Jason Lee (Almost Famous) as Syndrome and John Ratzenberger (TV’s Cliff Claven from Cheers).

The Incredibles is an awesome achievement and top-notch entertainment for the family.

to TOP