Raising the bar for animated flicks

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2005)

(Possible spoilers) For a film I saw at my local shopping centre at 10:30 in the morning surrounded by little kids and families, 'The Incredibles' was surprisingly complex and adult.
As various reviewers have noted, this is a big 'family values' film, but also one that suggests special talents and individuality should be utilised rather than hidden in the name of fitting in with the Joneses. I think its a very American film.
I was particularly attracted to the character of Violet, the typical 'emo' teen. Echoing Peter Parker in Spiderman 2, her powers fail her when she needs them the most.
The family reminds me a lot of The Simpsons- the parents seem pretty ordinary but when it comes down to the crunch, there pretty cool, and the kids realise that.
I find it really interesting that this film is quite 'straight' rather than subversive, yet still a really enjoyable watch.
8/10