Another zany hit from Pixar

Rating: 8/10 (11 November 2007)

By now, I've grown accustomed to mind-blowing CGI animation from Pixar Studios. But it's the blend of clever, funny, and zany storytelling and characterization made possible by the animation that has continually delighted me whenever I see a Pixar film. The studio continues this trend in The Incredibles.
I'm probably the second-last person in the U.S. to see the film, so I won't bore you with the plot details of a retired superhero family in the Witness Protection Program coming back to save humanity. A lot of the comedic gags depend on you being surprised by them, so I won't spoil the tremendous fun you should have when you first see them. Well just a little  the super-powered sibling spat at dinner scene will have every parent wishing for Helen Parr's powers.
Craig Nelson, who voices Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible, is the perfect choice for this character. His prior TV work (Coach and The District, in particular) have given him plenty of experience in conveying an engaging blend of bravado, sincere deadpan humor, and compassion. Likewise, Holly Hunter, who voices Helen Parr/Elastigirl, has plenty of range, conveying exasperated housewife, concerned wife, supportive and worried mother, and confident superhero with aplomb. The nice surprise is Spencer Fox, who voices, Dashiell 'Dash' Parr. His brash glee at finally being unleashed to use his super speed in ways he never imagined is thoroughly infectious. The script doesn't give Sarah Vowell, who voices Violet Parr, isn't given much to do, and doesn't even get a superhero name, so it's hard to say much of anything about her performance.
The movie's pace is frantic, but you'll be happily out of breath trying to keep up.