Incredible!

Rating: 10/10 (12 November 2004)

Pixar's The Incredibles is the best animated feature I have seen in a long time. Sure, Shrek and Finding Nemo were good. But since Toy Story, no animated film has been as captivating, witty and beautiful to behold as The Incredibles.
A lovable ensemble cast (something that often lacks in animated films) supports a strong, compelling storyline about one superhero's (Mr. Incredible) midlife crisis in light of an era of petty law suits that has driven all superheroes (a.k.a "The Supers") into hiding. Although all superheroes have weaknesses that their archenemies exploit, subjecting the Supers to the constraints of the legal system puts a refreshing spin on the genre. In combination with aspects of the spy genre, The Incredibles packs a powerful punch, offering an animated movie that may be even more entertaining to adults than the primary target audience.
The characters are well-developed throughout the story, as they showcase their superabilities in unique and unexpected ways. Though the cast works well together as an ensemble, Holly Hunter grabs a bit more of the limelight as superheroine (and supermom) Elastigirl. Her performance is witty, empathetic, caring and sexy all at once. Also among the best performances is director Brad Bird as the voice of Edna the superhero seamstress - a funny, energetic cameo. Samuel L. Jackson's character, Frozone, is a brilliant combination of the Silver Surfer, Mr. Freeze and Spiderman, but gets unfortunately little screen time. Jason Lee is perfectly annoying as the ability-less, but scientifically adept Syndrome. The animators both did an excellent job in creating unique personalities and physical features for all of the characters, which only adds to the fluid wittiness of the writing.
One of the most popular, but difficult, things to do in animated films is referencing other films or pop culture through visuals and dialogue without either: 1. dating the film or 2. relying on them for the majority of the humor. Pixar seamlessly integrates hints of Star Wars, James Bond, and Mission:Impossible, to name a few, into The Incredibles. The references are just enough so a typical (adult) moviegoer understands that there is a glimpse of something they've seen before, but only the most versed fans will know exactly where they come from. By incorporating these kinds of tidbits indirectly through the settings, minor plot elements and music, Pixar succeeds in creating a timeless cast and story - the mark of truly great film-making.
Possibly the most perfectly executed aspect of The Incredibles was the score. Plays off of Mission:Impossible and Bond themes of yore lays a perfect groundwork for the film. The music compliments the on screen action perfectly by adding the "spy" spin to the Superhero storyline.
Without a doubt Pixar's best work to date, and one of the most enjoyable movie-going experiences of the year: 10/10