Pixar have done it yet again

Rating: 7/10 (6 April 2005)

After the enormous success of 'Finding Nemo' and the two Toy Story films, we can probably count on a lot more CGI animated films to come from Pixar; but if they're all as good as The Incredibles, that's certainly no bad thing. The Incredibles works principally because it strikes a fine balance between the fun kids movie that it's facade suggests it is, and a movie of substance. That's why Pixar's animations work; there's something for everyone. Younger audiences will enjoy the high paced action and quick one-liners, while older audiences can delight in the themes of loss, family and doing what you're good at; while having a blast at the same time. The Incredibles is based on an absurdly funny idea, which sees superhero couple Mr Incredible and Elastigirl, along with the rest of the superhero world, having to take regular jobs after a series of law-suits are filed against superhero's after a number of their saves went wrong. However, Mr Incredible simply doesn't like his new life; so when an offer of a superhero assignment comes along; he just can't turn it down...
The way that the film portrays the superhero's' family life is really well done and echoes serious American classics such as American Beauty. This, tied in with the quirky characters and their superpowers, makes for some very fun viewing. It's also refreshing to see an animated film tackle this sort of drama as many skip it in favour of more audience-pleasing aspects (not that this film lacks the latter, mind you). The animation is, of course, sublime and is at least as good, if not better, than the animation seen in Finding Nemo. The film also benefits from a talented range of actors providing the characters' voices. Unlike certain other studios, Pixar are more concerned with getting the right voice actor in for the job rather than having another name to add to the poster. Of course, Samuel L. Jackson and Holly Hunter stand out; but the rest of the cast is mostly made up of lesser-known actors, and all bring their characters to life brilliantly. On the whole, The Incredibles is a great piece of entertainment. Brad Bird has created his own cinematic world and it's one that isn't afraid to latch onto the clichés of the superhero tradition and make them it's own. Simply put; this is an incredible film.