The Incredibles

The Incredibles

Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by Brad Bird

The Story:
In the golden age of superheroes, there's none bigger than Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), who possesses super strength.  However, he's not alone, as he's joined by Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) in tackling crime.  When a young wannabe protege (Jason Lee) inadvertently causes a catastrophe - coupled with a man who didn't want to be saved - Mr. Incredible finds himself sued, and the government enacts a law that outlaws superpowers being used.  Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl marry and go into hiding.

Fifteen years later, Mr. Incredible - whose real name is Bob - now works as an insurance claims salesman and Helen - Elastigirl - is a stay-at-home mother to Dash (who has super speed), Violet (who can create force fields and turn invisible), and baby Jack Jack (whose powers aren't fully determined).  Bob longs for the days where he could rescue people, and when he's offered a mysterious assignment on an island, he jumps at the chance - putting himself and his family in danger.

The Synopsis:
Back in 2004, there was no such thing as the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Before "The Incredibles," the only films Marvel released was the abysmal "Hulk" and the equally appalling "Daredevil," and it looked like superhero movies were on the downturn.  However, when Pixar decides to release a film, in most cases (looking your way "Cars 2"), it's a blockbuster achievement that blends the perfect voice actors with brilliant animations and a likeable story for old and young alike, and because of the success of "The Incredibles," I feel it gave the superhero subgenre a strong shot in the arm to make it the cinematic powerhouse it is today.

Pixar brilliantly blends the action you'd see in a superhero movie with the family drama you'd find in any family dynamic, along with the mystery and intrigue of a Bond classic.  Most of the time, when films fiddle with different dynamics, they fail on every level, but Brad Bird's film elevates all those aspects to greatness and results in a wholly perfect film that children and adults can enjoy together again and again.

The main thrust of the film is the concept of superheroes, and turns it on its head by having them be the "bad guys" in a sense.  I'm sure many people wonder when, while watching these superhero films, how they don't end up sued for all their collateral damage (an issue that was brought up in "Captain America: Civil War" after the Avengers saved Sokovia - by pretty much destroying it).  "The Incredibles" answers that question by forcing the superheroes to hide their "super"-ness and fade into obscurity.  We see how this affects them, especially Mr. Incredible, and the struggles they face in order to remain hidden and normal.  It's an interesting dramatic dynamic that adds a layer of substance to the characters and makes them more human.

When it comes to the family dynamic, even though they're a family of supers, the Parr family is oddly normal.  Bob is the breadwinner who provides for his family, but struggles with his own "mid-life crisis" with not being able to be super anymore, a problem he solves with Frozone when they go out and perform secret superhero missions.  Helen is the stay-at-home mother who endures a crying baby, a mischievous son, and a daughter facing the trials of teenagedom.  In a sense, their superpowers truly fit their family mode (Bob, as the breadwinner, is super strong to protect his family; Helen, as the stay-at-home mother, has to stretch herself in order to care for her children; Dash is a ball of energy who can't sit still; Violet struggles with her image and chooses to be invisible).  Even though the film is set in the past (judging by the decorations in their home, I'd say the 70s), their story of the family dynamic is timeless and something that everyone can relate to.

Besides a film about superheroes, "The Incredibles" takes a lot from the James Bond franchise.  Besides the trumpet music and 60s theme (which also earned the film a second Oscar nomination for Best Sound Editing - the first for Pixar), there's the villainous hideout on an abandoned island, the seductive assistant, and most notably the Incredibles assistant.  Bond had Q, and they have E - as in Edna - the fashion designer who designed all their suits.  Brad Bird supplies her voice, and she steals the show in every scene she's in.  She even gives the most practical advice anyone ever gave in any superhero movie ever - no capes!  It makes so much sense! 

Even though it was released thirteen years ago, the animation is as dazzling as ever.  Pixar takes great care in crafting their world, and "The Incredibles" is no exception.  It's absolutely beautiful to see, a feast for the eyes and the ears, a film that - while mocking superheroes - helped establish the subgenre as a cinematic moneymaker. 

The Summary:
Blending superhero action, Bond-like intrigue, and everyday family situations, Pixar crafted a brilliant film in "The Incredibles," a film that can be enjoyed time and time again by the entire family.

The Score: A+