When the promise delivers

Rating: Null/10 (8 January 2005)

You see the trailers, view the making of special and it still delivers?! What a terrific movie and a rarity these days, unless it is a Pixar initiative. While it seems to borrow the dual identity premise of Spy Kids (2001), the large variety of wacky superheroes like Mystery Men (1999), the reworked superpowers of The Fantastic Four, the excitement and energy of the best James Bond movies and the character fallibilities of Spider-man 2 (2004) it is largely a unique movie in its own right.
It is fundamentally an action movie but what sets Pixar movies apart, from not only other animated but standard flicks, is the humanity it imparts. There are elements similar to the Iron Giant (1999), also directed by Mr Bird, that are very touching. The characters have depth and by the end of it most viewers will have something they can take away from the experience. A bit like an Aesop's fable using outstanding animation.
This isn't a by-the-numbers movie where the film-makers left all their great work on a white board. These people obviously care deeply about the project, the story and the characters. This makes it easy for the viewer to feel compassion and sympathy for 'The Incredibles' and strongly dislike the villain. While the animated special effects are, dare I say it, INCREDIBLE, this movie has heart and any effects used have a purpose that enhances the story.
There is also a great sense of comedy. Some of the scenes featuring the parents in various situations had me laughing out loud. Like all the other Pixar movies there is plenty of fun for the adults. Not so many in-jokes as the Toy Story movies as this movie stands strongly by itself with its own style. Mr Incredible's ever increasing paunch is something I can really relate to. Whatever happened to the glory days when I could feel my ribs! I'm going to see this again. The movie reinforces the importance of family, to treat others as you'd treat yourself and don't take life for granted. In times of war and crippling natural disasters these messages couldn't come at a better time. Yet it avoids preaching to the audience and being overly overt in delivering its messages.
It is perfect for parents who want to do something entertaining with their kids or for people like me in their early-30s who appreciate good film making, a nice chocolate ice-cream/box of popcorn and laughing together with complete strangers.