Takes Animation to New Heights

Rating: Null/10 (11 November 2004)

The Incredibles surely live up to their name this weekend on screen and in the box office. The first PG animation released by Pixar studios takes its' medium to new heights with impeccable resolution and an emotionally mature story. Packed with comedy, action adventure, and pop-culture references The Incredibles takes a commanding presence on screen.
The movie is about a family with super human powers that has been forced to live an undercover average suburban life. The reason for their underground existence arises from the great American tradition of insolent lawsuits. While having to suppress their superhero identities, the father falls victim to the doldrums of an unrewarding job. Being over weight and restless the dad seeks to find ways to return to his once established greatness. This path leads him and his family to face an evil nemesis that tries to come into power through technology and manipulation. With their various super powers, the family pulls together to form an ultimate crime fighting force.
The movie is wonderfully directed and written by Brad Bird whose previous credits include The Iron Giant and The Simpsons. Bird seamlessly ties together multiple story lines and issues that reflect a modern world. The story examines the tremendous strength and responsibility it takes to deal with the difficulties of family life, adolescence, and reaching ones' full potential. With great realism and charm these animated characters have dynamic personalities and roles that mirror human society. The dialogue is smart and witty, which can relate to both younger and older audiences. This presentation of the story creates a greater impact on moviegoers then the average animation moral-of-the-story formula.
Also making a dazzling impact on the screen are Pixar's state of the art graphics. Their cutting edge technology brings to life brilliantly colored images with depth and complexity. At one point the graphics are even rendered to resemble grainy film stock that convincingly looks like an old newsreel.
The combination of amazing technology, emotionally rounded characters, and an action packed story line, create a hilarious and truly incredible movie that is absolutely a must see.