Essentials: The Incredibles

Year: 2004 (USA)
Genre: Animated Comedy/Action Comedy
Directed: Brad Bird
Stars: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson, Wallace Shawn, Lou Romano, Brad Bird, Bud Luckey, John Ratzenberger
Production: Pixar Animation


Shortest review ever: Incredible.

What, you need more? Fine. Pixar continues an unheard streak of high-quality storytelling and captivating creativity with 2004’s answer to the question, “is there happiness in the world?”  The Incredibles takes place in a world where super-strength, super-speed, super-cool superpowers exist and heroes are adored by the masses they protect. Yet because of impending lawsuits and municipal damages, the government has stepped in to insure our heroes’ secret identities are now their only identities. Bob Parr aka Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) is struggling with his new “normal” life married to fellow superhero Elastigirl aka Helen (Holly Hunter). His job sucks, the kids have superpowers of their own they’re itching to explore and he desperately misses the thrill of crime fighting. In comes a mysterious benefactor who just might be his ticket to a better life.

Was 15 when he started writing code for this movie

The Incredibles is Pixar’s first real attempt at a completely human world populated by four limbed humanoids as opposed to toys or fishes or bugs. Instead of opting for close-to-human features, which most people find creepy, the characters are exaggerated and cartoony. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the details of this marvelous film aren’t spectacular. The settings range from Tropical Island to bustling metropolis and exhibit a unique feel and personality. The animators must have taken years out of their lives to complete a film of this caliber.

Yet even if the film wasn’t as technically brilliant as it is, it’d still have a great story populated by great characters. Each main character is a new spin on the typical nuclear family with Bob being the loveable but unrealized provider who needs help with his priorities. Helen is the overworked mother, wife and voice of reason yet unlike the valium-taking housewives of the 1950’s she can kick all kinds of butt. In tow are three precocious, bickering children: Dash (Spencer Fox) who possesses super-speed, Violet (Sarah Vowell) who has the power of invisibility much like many young teenagers feel they do and Jack-Jack a toddler seemingly lacking superpowers. Also in the mix is the nefarious villain Syndrome (Jason Lee) who reeks of abandonment issues and riotous Edith Head parody Edna Mode (Director Brad Bird) who nearly steals the movie.

I’m honestly surprised that a story like this hasn’t been done before. There might be some serials back in the day that expounded on similar themes but I cannot recall any. Sure there are elements of superheroes turned unsanctioned vigilantes in Batman-lore and The Watchmen and The Fantastic Four does have familial ties. But mixing these two themes and adding in a cottage industry in superhero costumes; that’s not just new to film but to superherodom.

If on the off-chance you were trapped underneath something heavy for the last ten years and haven’t seen The Incredibles, I recommend that you go and see what you’ve been missing. It’s a brilliant original story, artfully crafted to perfection by the dream-makers of Pixar and voiced by smartly casted actors. Did I also mention it’s a non-stop thrill ride unlike any other? Well believe me when I tell you that it truly is.

Final Grade: A