Pixar does it again!

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2006)

Pixar are undoubtedly the kings of computer animation. They have a truly magical touch, and have created some really memorable characters from Buzz Lightyear to Finding Nemo's Dory. But with The Incredibles they have broken new ground again, and crafted a superhero story in the everyday world but with a touch of fantasy.
Geared towards adults this time (although kids will still get a kick out of it), what separates The Incredibles from Pixar's previous work is the fact that it's about people this time. Not toys. Not monsters. Not fish. But it still has that important dose of fantasy that makes The Incredibles recognisably Pixar.
Mr Incredible, aka Bob Parr (voiced by Craig T Nelson) is one of the world's most revered superheroes. With his super strength, he has saved everyone from train crash victims to a cat up a tree. And he still finds time to get married to the super stretchy Elastigirl (voiced brilliantly by Holly Hunter). After a restless ten minutes filled with mock interviews and minor heroics, the film then picks up steam with a grainy B&W newsreel.
Mr I is sued by someone who tried faking suicide just to cash in. That is until Mr I stepped in and saved the day. Soon other people start filing lawsuits against him, and this eventually spreads to other superheroes too. Finally, the government imposes a restraining order on all superheroes who are forced to go into hiding, using their secret identities full-time, but keeping their superpowers under wraps.
15 years later, Bob is miserable as an insurance sales adjuster. He has let himself go, lusts for the glory days and gets no satisfaction from his job. Elastigirl has adjusted to suburban living better than Bob and raises their three kids. Violet, a shy, withdrawn girl who can turn invisible and create forcefields. Dash who can run at superhuman speed. And Jack-Jack, who's still a baby and hasn't manifested his powers yet.
When Bob is fired from his job after he can take no more, he is contacted by the beautiful Mirage (voiced by Elizabeth Pena). She knows his secret, and offers him a job, destroying a dangerous robot. His confidence abounds, he gets into shape, and acquires a new suit from designer Edna Mode (voiced hilariously by director Brad Bird).
But Mr I's employer is setting him up for a trap. Mirage really works for Syndrome. He was once a number one fan of Mr I. But when Bob refused to let him work with him, he lashed out on his own, and became a super-villain. He intends to unleash a legion of robots to conquer the world. When Elastigirl discovers Bob is being held at Syndrome's fortified island hideaway, she swings into action with the kids to stop Syndrome.
What distinguishes The Incredibles from other recent animated fare is its sly intelligence. It has some brilliant ideas such as different people living in the epitome of suburban conformity. Not to mention people having to conceal their powers, even if they didn't want them to begin with. There is so much potential here, one wishes The Incredibles was a TV Series. I'd never get tired of their exploits.
Brad Bird the director, also known for the excellent and underrated The Iron Giant has indulged his love for retro 50s futuristic decor. Syndrome's island hideaway is like something out of a James Bond film. With pod monorails, wind tunnels and crashing waterfalls, the set-pieces are extraordinary. It doesn't quite elicit the awe and stunning beauty of Finding Nemo, but The Incredibles is still one of the most amazing looking films around.
And the cast is great too. Mr I is a poignant character. Someone who was on top of the world and lost it all. Dash and Violet make a believable brother and sister. And in Violet's case, her power of invisibility is an excellent metaphor for loneliness. Syndrome is an oddly amusing villain. You get the impression he was the last person to be picked for the football teams in school, and now he's paying back the world in spades.
But the scene stealers are Holly Hunter and Brad Bird. Hunter lends her memorable voice and makes Elastigirl admirably feisty. She gets a lot of great scenes both in and out of the costume. Elastigirl deserves her own franchise. And Brad Bird is marvellous as the costume designer Edna Mode. With opinions on everything, and fashion sense to boot, she is one of Pixar's most memorable creations.
But The Incredibles has a few flaws. Some of the action scenes get a bit hectic, and fellow retired superhero Frozone is an unnecessary character. The Incredibles are a much more interesting family unit. Since he's afforded such small screen time, you wonder what was the point of having him in the film. Also I would have liked to have seen more of Mirage. In true James Bond fashion, she falls for Mr I and helps him escape. Then she just disappears.
But in all other regards, The Incredibles is a clever and engaging adventure filled with great ideas. Also it never talks down to kids, and if these characters die, they're really dead. The Incredibles represents a new era for Pixar, and is just as impressive as anything else they've done. And the music's great too.
Here's to the future of Pixar.