Digital becomes relevant

Rating: 9/10 (15 November 2004)

Pixar has already shown a propensity to place story and humor over digital gimmickry, but this time they've managed to find a tremendous balance between the two with The Incredibles.
Brad Bird's story about a family rediscovering itself is well executed if not unpredictable, but the humanity of the characters is unmistakable. Perhaps more scene-stealing however is the subtlety of movement in the character's acting. Clearly the animators have been doing lots of people watching because these people move and gesture in such small and true ways its almost thrilling to watch.
Digital movie making is pretty hit and miss. Basically Pixar hits and everyone else misses but this time they've really done themselves proud. Brad Bird's collaboration with Pixar produces a document of film-making excellence. Would that other animators could find the soul and depth of a Pixar movie, never mind the comedy. Finding Nemo and now this.
Digital acting took a colossal step forward with Andy Serkis' performance in the Lord of the Rings. In that one, the animators took Serkis out and left his intent on screen. This time, the propeller-heads have actually created actors where there were none to begin with and they did a better job than half of Hollywood's a-list. I want more!